Subtracting Negative Numbers: Determining the Sign of a-b

a and b are negative numbers.

Therefore, what kind of number is is a-b?

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1

Understand the problem

a and b are negative numbers.

Therefore, what kind of number is is a-b?

2

Step-by-step solution

We test using an example:

We define that

a = -1

b = -2

 

Now we replace in the exercise:

-1-(-2) = -1+2 = 1

In this case, the result is positive!

 

We test the opposite case, where b is greater than a

We define that

a = -2

b = -1

 

-2-(-1) = -2+1 = -1

 

In this case, the result is negative!

 

Therefore, the correct solution to the whole question is: "It's impossible to know".

3

Final Answer

Impossible to know.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

What will be the sign of the result of the next exercise?

\( (-2)\cdot(-4)= \)

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