Question 221923
-46 decreased by the difference between -23 and -61 
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The difference between -23 and -61 is 38. (-23 - (-61)) = 38
Decreasing -46 by 38 = -46 - 38 = -84
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Usually, "the difference" is assumed to be positive.  For example,
the difference between 7 and 10 is 3.  between 10 and 7 is also 3.  Negatives are used only when it's specifically shown as a subtraction problem.
This problem is somewhat ambiguous.