Solve (-8)-(-13): Subtracting Negative Integer Practice

Q: Why does subtracting a negative number become addition?

Think of it as taking away a debt! If you owe $13 (negative) and that debt is removed (subtracted), you actually gain $13. So $ -(-13) = +13 $.

Q: How do I remember the double negative rule?

Use the phrase "minus a minus makes a plus"! The two negative signs cancel each other out, just like $ -(-x) = +x $.

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

Absolutely! Start at -8, then move 13 units to the right (since we're adding 13). You'll land on +5, confirming our answer.

Q: What if both numbers were positive instead?

If it were $ 8-13 $, you'd get -5. But since we have $ (-8)-(-13) $, the double negative changes everything!

Q: Is there a shortcut for these problems?

Yes! When you see subtract a negative, immediately change it to add the positive. Then solve the simpler addition problem.

Subtracting Negative Integers with Double Negatives

$(-8)-(-13)=$

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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, so let's multiply

00:07 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

$(-8)-(-13)=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's remember the rule:

$-(-x)=+x$

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

$-8+13=$

We'll use the substitution law and solve:

$13-8=5$

Final Answer

$5$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Subtracting a negative number equals adding its positive
Technique: Change $(-8)-(-13)$ to $-8+13$
Check: Verify $13-8=5$ using number line or substitution ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding the negative numbers together
Don't add $-8+(-13)=-21$ ! This ignores the double negative rule and gives the wrong answer. Always remember that subtracting a negative means adding the positive: $-(-13)=+13$ .

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 as taking away a debt! If you owe $13 (negative) and that debt is removed (subtracted), you actually gain$ 13. So $-(-13) = +13$ .

How do I remember the double negative rule?

Use the phrase "minus a minus makes a plus"! The two negative signs cancel each other out, just like $-(-x) = +x$ .

Can I use a number line to solve this?

Absolutely! Start at -8, then move 13 units to the right (since we're adding 13). You'll land on +5, confirming our answer.

What if both numbers were positive instead?

If it were $8-13$ , you'd get -5. But since we have $(-8)-(-13)$ , the double negative changes everything!

Is there a shortcut for these problems?

Yes! When you see subtract a negative, immediately change it to add the positive. Then solve the simpler addition problem.

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