Understanding Subtraction with Negative Numbers
Subtracting negative numbers can seem confusing at first, but it's actually quite simple once you grasp the concept. Think of subtracting a negative number as adding a positive number.
Let's break down the problem: (-7) - (-6)
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Rewriting the expression: We can rewrite this expression as (-7) + (+6). This is because subtracting a negative is the same as adding its positive counterpart.
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Visualizing the problem: Imagine a number line. Starting at -7, we need to move 6 units to the right (because we're adding a positive number).
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The solution: When we move 6 units to the right from -7, we arrive at -1.
Therefore, (-7) - (-6) = -1
Key Points to Remember:
- Subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive.
- Visualizing the problem on a number line can help.
Practice Problems:
Here are some practice problems to reinforce your understanding:
- (-5) - (-3)
- (-2) - (-8)
- (4) - (-1)
Mastering subtraction with negative numbers will help you excel in various mathematical concepts!