Negative 5 Minus Negative 4

Subtracting positive numbers, such as 4 - 2, is easy. When nosotros decrease negative numbers or subtract negative numbers to positive numbers, it gets more complicated.
Hither are some simple rules to follow when subtracting negative numbers.

Dominion 1: Subtracting a positive number from a positive number – it's but normal subtraction.

For case: this is what you have learned before. 6 – 3 are two positive numbers. So solve this equation the way you always have: six – 3 = 3.

Dominion 2: Subtracting a positive number from a negative number – start at the negative number and count backwards.

For example: Say, we accept the problem -2 – iii. Using the number line, allow's start at -2.

subtracting negative numbers 1

Now count backwards 3 units. Then keep counting back three spaces from -2 on the number line.

subtracting negative numbers 2

The reply is -2 – three = -5.

Rule 3: Subtracting a negative number from a negative number – a minus sign followed by a negative sign, turns the ii signs into a plus sign.

And then, instead of subtracting a negative, you lot are calculation a positive. Basically, - (-4) becomes +4, and then you lot add the numbers.

For example, say we have the problem -2 - –4. This would read "negative two minus negative 4". So we're changing the two negative signs into a positive, and then the equation now becomes -2 + 4.

On the number line, it starts at -2.

subtracting negative numbers 3

Then we movement forrard 4 units: +4.

subtracting negative numbers 4

class="green-text">The respond is -2 – (-four) = ii.

Rule 4: Subtracting a negative number from a positive number – turn the subtraction sign followed by a negative sign into a plus sign.

Then, instead of subtracting a negative, you lot're calculation a positive. So the equation turns into a simple improver trouble.

For example: permit's say nosotros accept the problem ii – (-three). This reads "two minus negative three". The – (-3) turns into +3.

On the number line we commencement at 2.

subtracting negative numbers 5

Then we move forward three units: 2 + three.

subtracting negative numbers 6

The answer is 2 – (-3) = 5.