9 - (-8) = ? and -5 - (-1) = ?
Understand the Problem
The question consists of two mathematical expressions that involve subtraction and negative integers. The task is to evaluate both expressions by following the rules of arithmetic concerning negative numbers.
Answer
1. $9 - (-8) = 17$, 2. $-5 - (-1) = -4$
Answer for screen readers
The answers to the expressions are:
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$9 - (-8) = 17$
-
$-5 - (-1) = -4$
Steps to Solve
- Evaluate the first expression: $9 - (-8)$
When subtracting a negative number, it is equivalent to adding the positive version of that number. Thus, $$ 9 - (-8) = 9 + 8 $$ Calculating this gives: $$ 9 + 8 = 17 $$
- Evaluate the second expression: $-5 - (-1)$
Again, subtracting a negative number means we add the positive equivalent. Therefore, $$ -5 - (-1) = -5 + 1 $$ Calculating this gives: $$ -5 + 1 = -4 $$
The answers to the expressions are:
-
$9 - (-8) = 17$
-
$-5 - (-1) = -4$
More Information
In both cases, we applied the rule that subtracting a negative number is the same as adding its positive counterpart. This concept is fundamental when working with integers, especially when dealing with negative values.
Tips
- Confusing subtraction with negative signs can lead to errors.
- Remember that $9 - (-8)$ should be treated as $9 + 8$, not $9 - 8$.
- Similarly, for $-5 - (-1)$, be careful to convert it to $-5 + 1$ without losing the negative sign in front of the 5.
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