Question

A scholar started with 3 and then subtracted a number which resulted in a

positive difference. What must be true about the number that was subtracted
Use examples to prove your answer.

Answer 1

The number has to be less than 3.

Explanation:

Some examples:

3 - (-5) = 3 + 5 = 8, a positive difference

3 - 0 = 3, a positive difference

3 - 1 = 2, a positive difference

3 - 3 = 0, NOT a positive difference. 3 is where the difference switches from positive to negative.

3 - 4 = -1, NOT a positive difference.