Answer:
80
Step-by-step explanation:
The "difference" means the answer using subtraction. Subtract -60 from 20 to find the different between the two numbers.
20 - (-60) When you have two minus signs, it become a plus sign.
= 20 + 60 Add
= 80 Difference between the numbers
Could you do it backwards? Subtract 20 from -60? Yes, but since the difference between two numbers will always be a <u>positive number</u>, you need to use absolute value symbols.
| -60 - 20 | Do -60 -20 first
= | -80 | Apply the absolute value of -80 (make the number positive)
= 80 Difference between the numbers
You do not have to put absolute value if you do 20 - (-60), but you can. For -60 -20, you must use them.
Therefore, the difference between 20 and -60 is 80.
