Solve 12-(-2): Understanding Double Negative Subtraction

Q: Why does subtracting a negative become addition?

Think of it as removing a debt! If you owe -$2 (a negative), removing that debt is the same as gaining +$2. So 12-(-2) means '12 minus negative 2' which equals '12 plus positive 2'.

Q: How can I remember this rule?

Use the phrase 'minus a minus makes a plus'! When you see two negative signs next to each other (like in -(-2)), they always combine to become positive (+2).

Q: Can I use a number line for all these problems?

Absolutely! Number lines are perfect for double negative problems. Start at the first number, then move right for positive operations and left for negative ones.

Integer Operations with Double Negatives

$12-(-2)=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:03 Let's solve this problem.

00:06 Remember, negative times negative always equals positive.

00:11 Now, let's open the parentheses.

00:15 Moving to the right means progress towards the positive side on the number line.

00:20 Let's imagine taking twelve jumps to the right.

00:27 Then, let's take another two jumps to the right.

00:35 And that's how we find the solution to the question!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$12-(-2)=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's remember the rule:

$-(-x)=+$

We'll write the exercise in the appropriate form:

$12+(2)=$

We'll locate the number 12 on the number line, from which we'll move 2 steps to the right (since 2 is greater than zero):

We can see that we've reached the number 14.

Final Answer

$14$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Subtracting a negative equals adding its positive
Technique: Transform 12-(-2) into 12+(+2) = 14
Check: Use number line: start at 12, move 2 right = 14 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Confusing double negatives with regular subtraction
Don't calculate 12-(-2) as 12-2 = 10! This ignores the negative sign and gives the wrong answer. Always remember that subtracting a negative number means adding its positive value.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

a is negative number.

b is negative number.

What is the sum of a+b?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does subtracting a negative become addition?

Think of it as removing a debt! If you owe - $2 (a negative), removing that debt is the same as gaining +$ 2. So 12-(-2) means '12 minus negative 2' which equals '12 plus positive 2'.

How can I remember this rule?

Use the phrase 'minus a minus makes a plus'! When you see two negative signs next to each other (like in -(-2)), they always combine to become positive (+2).

What's the difference between -2 and (-2)?

They're the same number! The parentheses in (-2) just make it clearer that we're talking about negative two as a complete unit, especially when it follows another operation.

Can I use a number line for all these problems?

Absolutely! Number lines are perfect for double negative problems. Start at the first number, then move right for positive operations and left for negative ones.

What if I have more complex expressions like 5-(-3)+(-1)?

Handle each operation step by step: 5-(-3) becomes 5+3=8, then 8+(-1)=8-1=7. Always convert the double negatives first, then proceed left to right.

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