Solve: (-0.83)-(-14.68) Decimal Subtraction with Negative Numbers

Q: Why does subtracting a negative number become addition?

Think of it this way: if you remove a debt (negative), you're actually gaining money (positive)! The rule $ -(-x) = +x $ shows that two negatives make a positive.

Q: How do I remember the double negative rule?

Use this memory trick: "minus a minus is plus". Or think of it like grammar - two negatives in math make a positive, just like in English!

Q: What's the easiest way to solve this type of problem?

Step 1: Rewrite subtraction of negative as additionStep 2: Line up decimal pointsStep 3: Add normally, keeping the sign of the larger absolute value

Q: Why is 13.85 positive instead of negative?

Because we're adding 14.68 (positive) and -0.83 (negative). Since 14.68 is larger in absolute value, the result takes its positive sign!

Q: Can I use a number line to visualize this?

Absolutely! Start at -0.83 on the number line. Subtracting -14.68 means moving 14.68 units to the right, landing at positive 13.85.

Negative Number Subtraction with Double Negatives

$(-0.83)-(-14.68)=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Negative times negative is always positive

00:11 We will use long subtraction for calculation

00:27 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$(-0.83)-(-14.68)=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's remember the rule:

$-(-x)=+x$

Now let's write the exercise in the appropriate form:

$-0.83+14.68=$

We'll use the distributive property and solve the exercise step by step:

$14.68\\-0.83\\13.85$

Final Answer

$13.85$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Subtracting a negative number means adding its positive value
Technique: Convert (-0.83)-(-14.68) to -0.83+14.68 = 13.85
Check: Verify: -0.83 + 14.68 = 14.68 - 0.83 = 13.85 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting to change subtraction to addition when removing parentheses
Don't just remove the parentheses and write -0.83-14.68 = -15.51! This ignores the double negative rule and gives the wrong sign. Always remember that subtracting a negative becomes adding a positive: minus negative equals plus positive.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

a is negative number.

b is negative number.

What is the sum of a+b?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does subtracting a negative number become addition?

Think of it this way: if you remove a debt (negative), you're actually gaining money (positive)! The rule $-(-x) = +x$ shows that two negatives make a positive.

How do I remember the double negative rule?

Use this memory trick: "minus a minus is plus". Or think of it like grammar - two negatives in math make a positive, just like in English!

What's the easiest way to solve this type of problem?

Step 1: Rewrite subtraction of negative as addition
Step 2: Line up decimal points
Step 3: Add normally, keeping the sign of the larger absolute value

Why is 13.85 positive instead of negative?

Because we're adding 14.68 (positive) and -0.83 (negative). Since 14.68 is larger in absolute value, the result takes its positive sign!

Can I use a number line to visualize this?

Absolutely! Start at -0.83 on the number line. Subtracting -14.68 means moving 14.68 units to the right, landing at positive 13.85.

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