Worked examples
Two examples
Example 1
−2 − (−8) =
- Subtract a negative. Rewrite: −2 + 8.
- Different signs. First subtract: 8 − 2 = 6. The original larger absolute value is 8, positive.
Answer: 6
Example 2
−9 − (−4) =
- Subtract a negative. Rewrite: −9 + 4.
- First subtract: 9 − 4 = 5. The original larger absolute value is −9, negative.
Answer: −5
Where this is taught: Signed Numbers, Part 8
The drill
Ten problems
How many:
Type each answer, then press Check my answers at the bottom. For a minus sign, the hyphen key (-) is fine.Write each answer on the line. The answer key, with the reasoning, is on the last page.