SOLUTION: I keep getting confused when subtracting negative #'s! It is driving me crazy! What is 3- -4? Why?

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: I keep getting confused when subtracting negative #'s! It is driving me crazy! What is 3- -4? Why?      Log On


   

Question 448056: I keep getting confused when subtracting negative #'s! It is driving me crazy! What is 3- -4? Why?
Answer by algebrahouse.com(1659) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Whenever you have "minus a negative" back to back, that becomes "plus"

3 - (-4)
= 3 + 4 {minus a negative becomes plus}
= 7

5 - (-3)
= 5 + 3 {minus a negative becomes plus}
= 8

-3 - 4
= -7 {just add 3 and 4 and put a negative in front}

3 - 4
= -1 {imagine standing on 3, on the number line, and moving 4 to the left}
www.algebrahouse.com