PSAT Math : How to subtract negative numbers
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : How To Subtract Negative Numbers
If x is a negative integer, what else must be a negative integer?
x – (–x)
x² – x
x – x
x²
x – (–x)
By choosing a random negative number, for example: –4, we can input the number into each choice and see if we come out with another negative number. When we put –4 in for x, we would have –4 – (–(–4)) or –4 – 4, which is –8. Plugging in the other options gives a positive answer. You can try other negative numbers, if needed, to confirm this still works.
Example Question #2 : Negative Numbers
–7 – 7= x
–7 – (–7) = y
what are x and y, respectively
y = 0, x = 14
x = –14, y = 0
x = 0, y = 0
x = 14, y = –14
x = –14, y = 14
x = –14, y = 0
x: –7 – 7= –7 + –7 = –14
y: –7 – (–7) = –7 + 7 = 0
when subtracting a negative number, turn it into an addition problem
Example Question #31 : Integers
13
15
16
5
2
16
Subtracting a negative number is just like adding its absolute value.
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