-4.368 - 3.86
Understand the Problem
The question is asking us to perform the arithmetic operation of subtraction on the two numbers provided (-4.368 and -3.86). We will calculate the result of -4.368 - 3.86 to arrive at the answer.
Answer
$$ -0.508 $$
Answer for screen readers
The final result of the subtraction $-4.368 - (-3.86)$ is: $$ -0.508 $$
Steps to Solve
-
Set up the subtraction problem
We need to subtract $-4.368$ from $-3.86$. This can be rewritten as: $$ -4.368 - (-3.86) $$
This means we are subtracting $-3.86$ from $-4.368$, which converts into adding the absolute value of $-3.86$. -
Change subtraction to addition
When we subtract a negative number, it's equivalent to adding its positive. So, our equation now becomes: $$ -4.368 + 3.86 $$ -
Align the numbers for addition
For clarity, align the numbers by their decimal points:
-4.368
+ 3.860
-
Perform the addition
Now, we perform the addition from right to left:
- Add the thousandths: $8 + 0 = 8$
- Add the hundredths: $6 + 6 = 12$ (write down 2, carry over 1)
- Add the tenths: $3 + 8 + 1 (carry) = 12$ (write down 2, carry over 1)
- Add the ones: $-4 + 3 + 1 (carry) = -1$
So, the complete addition gives us: $$ -0.508 $$
The final result of the subtraction $-4.368 - (-3.86)$ is: $$ -0.508 $$
More Information
The subtraction of two negative numbers results in a negative answer. Specifically, when you subtract a greater negative number from a smaller negative number, the result will be negative but closer to zero.
Tips
- A common mistake is forgetting that subtracting a negative number changes the operation to addition. Remember to change the signs correctly!
- Another mistake could be misalignment of decimal points, which can lead to errors in calculation. Always ensure numbers are lined up by their decimal points.
