It depends if the negative number is bigger than the positive number your answer will be a negative number/answer for example -9 - 4 your answer would be -5 since the negative number is bigger it will be the other way around for a positive number if the positive number is bigger than the negative number your answer will be positive for example 5 - -2 = 3 or positive 3.
If it is a slope formula I believe it is y= 4x-24
The second side of a triangular deck is 4 feet longer than the shortest side
(s+4) = the 2nd side
and a third side that is 4 feet shorter than twice the length of the shortest side.
(2s-4) = the 3rd side
If the perimeter of the deck is 48 feet, what are the lengths of the three sides?
s + (s+4) + (2s-4) = 48
Combine like terms
s + s + 2s + 4 - 4 = 48
4s = 48
s = 48/4
s = 12 ft is the shortest side
I'll let you find the 2nd and 3rd sides, ensure they add up to 48
Hope this helps!