How to Subtract Positive and Negative Numbers: A Step-by-Step Guide
To Subtract a positive number from positive number:
Step 1: Subtract the smaller number from the bigger number.
Step 2: I f the 1st number is the bigger number; the answer is positive.
- example: 7-(6) = 1
If the 1st number is smaller, the answer is negative.
- example: (64) – (72) =-8
To Subtract a negative number from a positive number:
Step 1: Add the two numbers.
Step 2: Remember the answer will always be a negative number.
- example: -72-(+64) =-136
- example: -5-(+6) = -11
To Subtract a positive number from a negative number:
Step 1: Get rid of the double negatives by replacing the two negatives with a plus sign and rewrite the problem accordingly.
- Example: 72 – (-64) = 72+64
Step 2: Simple add the numbers together as normal.
- example: 72 + 64 = 136
- example: 2- (- 5) = 2 + 5 = 7
To subtract a negative number from a negative number:
Step 1: Get rid of the double negatives by replacing the two negatives with a plus sign and rewrite the problem accordingly.
- Example -72 – (-64) = -72 + 64 =
Step 2: Subtract the smaller number from the bigger number.
- Example -72 – (-64) = -72 + 64 =
- 72-64 = 8
Step 3: Determine if the answer is negative or positive:
- -72 + 64 = -8
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