Solve 14-(-3): Understanding Subtraction with Negative Numbers

Q: Why does subtracting a negative become addition?

Think of it this way: if you take away a debt, you're actually gaining money! Subtracting -3 means taking away 3 steps backward, which is the same as going 3 steps forward.

Q: How can I remember the double negative rule?

Use the phrase 'two negatives make a positive'. When you see $ -(-x) $, the signs cancel out to become $ +x $.

Q: Should I always use a number line for these problems?

The number line is very helpful when learning, but once you master the rule, you can solve these mentally. Start with the number line until you feel confident!

Q: What if the first number was negative too?

The same rule applies! For example: $ -5-(-2) = -5+2 = -3 $. Convert the subtraction to addition first, then calculate normally.

Q: Is this the same as the order of operations?

Not exactly. This is about sign rules - how positive and negative signs interact. Order of operations tells you when to do each calculation.

Subtraction Rules with Negative Numbers

$14-(-3)=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:05 Alright, let's solve this problem together.

00:08 Remember, a negative times a negative gives us a positive.

00:13 Now, let's open the parentheses.

00:18 Okay, let's do the calculation step by step.

00:21 And that's the solution to our question! Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$14-(-3)=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's remember the rule:

$-(-x)=+$

We'll write the exercise in the appropriate form:

$14+(3)=$

We'll locate the number 14 on the number line, from which we'll move 3 steps to the right (since 3 is greater than zero):

We can see that we've reached the number 17.

Final Answer

$17$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Subtracting a negative number equals adding its positive
Technique: Convert 14-(-3) to 14+(3) = 17
Check: On number line, move 3 steps right from 14 = 17 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Treating double negative as regular subtraction
Don't calculate 14-(-3) as 14-3 = 11! This ignores the negative sign rule and gives the wrong answer. Always remember that subtracting a negative number means adding the positive version.

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 become addition?

Think of it this way: if you take away a debt, you're actually gaining money! Subtracting -3 means taking away 3 steps backward, which is the same as going 3 steps forward.

How can I remember the double negative rule?

Use the phrase 'two negatives make a positive'. When you see $-(-x)$ , the signs cancel out to become $+x$ .

Should I always use a number line for these problems?

The number line is very helpful when learning, but once you master the rule, you can solve these mentally. Start with the number line until you feel confident!

What if the first number was negative too?

The same rule applies! For example: $-5-(-2) = -5+2 = -3$ . Convert the subtraction to addition first, then calculate normally.

Is this the same as the order of operations?

Not exactly. This is about sign rules - how positive and negative signs interact. Order of operations tells you when to do each calculation.

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