Solve 70-(32-(-4)): Order of Operations with Negative Numbers

Q: Why does -(-4) become +4?

Think of it as "the opposite of negative 4". The opposite of negative is positive! Or remember: subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive.

Q: What order should I follow when solving this?

Use PEMDAS: Start with the innermost parentheses first. So handle $ -(-4) $ first, then $ (32-(-4)) $, and finally the subtraction from 70.

Q: How do I avoid getting confused with all these parentheses?

Work one layer at a time from the inside out. Write each step clearly: Step 1: $ -(-4) = +4 $Step 2: $ 32+4 = 36 $Step 3: $ 70-36 = 34 $

Q: What if I got 42 as my answer?

You likely treated $ -(-4) $ as $ -4 $ instead of $ +4 $. Remember: two negatives make a positive! Go back and fix that step.

Q: Is there an easier way to remember double negatives?

Yes! Think "minus a minus is plus" or imagine you're removing a debt (which makes you richer). Both help you remember that $ -(-4) = +4 $.

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:05 Let's begin by solving the problem. Are you ready?

00:09 First, we focus on the parentheses. Always solve what's inside them first.

00:14 Remember, a negative times a negative gives a positive result. That's a good tip to keep in mind.

00:21 Let's solve within the parentheses together and then we'll move forward.

00:26 Great job! We've found the solution to the problem.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

1

Understand the problem

$70-(32-(-4))=$

2

Step-by-step solution

According to the order of operations, we first address the innermost parentheses.

Remember that the product of a negative and a negative results is positive:

$-(-4)=+4$

Therefore, the exercise we get is:

$70-(32+4)=$

Now, we solve the exercise within the parentheses:

$32+4=36$

We obtain:

$70-36=34$

3

Final Answer

$34$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Work from innermost parentheses outward following PEMDAS
Technique: Convert double negative: $-(-4) = +4$
Check: Verify each step: 70-(32+4) = 70-36 = 34 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Ignoring the double negative sign
Don't treat -(-4) as -4 = wrong calculation! This gives 70-(32-4) = 70-28 = 42 instead of 34. Always remember that subtracting a negative number means adding the positive.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 100-(5+55)= $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does -(-4) become +4?

+

Think of it as "the opposite of negative 4". The opposite of negative is positive! Or remember: subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive.

What order should I follow when solving this?

+

Use PEMDAS: Start with the innermost parentheses first. So handle $-(-4)$ first, then $(32-(-4))$ , and finally the subtraction from 70.

How do I avoid getting confused with all these parentheses?

+

Work one layer at a time from the inside out. Write each step clearly:

Step 1: $-(-4) = +4$
Step 2: $32+4 = 36$
Step 3: $70-36 = 34$

What if I got 42 as my answer?

+

You likely treated $-(-4)$ as $-4$ instead of $+4$ . Remember: two negatives make a positive! Go back and fix that step.

Is there an easier way to remember double negatives?

+

Yes! Think "minus a minus is plus" or imagine you're removing a debt (which makes you richer). Both help you remember that $-(-4) = +4$ .

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Solve 70-(32-(-4)): Order of Operations with Negative Numbers

Order of Operations with Double Negatives

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

Step-by-step video solution

Step-by-step written solution

Understand the problem

Step-by-step solution

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Common Mistakes

Practice Quiz

FAQ

Why does -(-4) become +4?

What order should I follow when solving this?

How do I avoid getting confused with all these parentheses?

What if I got 42 as my answer?

Is there an easier way to remember double negatives?

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

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