Question

What is -2-(-3)? Show your work.

Answer 1

When subtracting with a negative number anywhere in the expression you will do something called "Same-Add-Opposite."

This means that you will keep the first number in the expression (in this case that is -2) the same:

-2 - (-3)

Then turn the subtraction sign into an addition sign.

-2 + (-3)

Finally you will take the "opposite" sign of the second number (in this case you will take the opposite of -3). When I say "opposite sign" I mean that if this number is positive it will become negative. If it was negative it will become positive.

-2 + 3

Now you must solve. When adding a positive number with a negative number you will act as if you are subtracting the two numbers, then the answer will take the sign of the largest number (disregarding the signs).

In this case the largest number is 3 (disregarding the signs) and its sign is positive. Your answer will have a negative sign.

-2 + 3

1

-2 - (-3) = 1

Hope this helped!

~Just a girl in love with Shawn Mendes