Solve Integer Operation: (-10)-(-13) Step by Step

Q: Why do I get a negative answer when both numbers are negative?

Actually, only -10 is negative in this problem! The +13 is positive, and subtracting a positive number from a negative makes the result more negative.

Q: How do I remember which direction to move on the number line?

Think of it like temperature: subtracting degrees makes it colder (more negative), adding degrees makes it warmer (more positive). Always move left when subtracting!

Q: What's the difference between (-10) - (+13) and (-10) + (-13)?

Great question! $ (-10) - (+13) = -23 $ but $ (-10) + (-13) = -23 $. Wait - they're the same! That's because subtracting positive equals adding negative.

Q: Can I just ignore the parentheses and signs?

Never ignore the signs! The parentheses help you see the signs clearly. (-10) - (+13) becomes -10 - 13, which is very different from 10 + 13.

Q: How do I check my answer without using a number line?

Use the absolute value method: Since both operations make the number more negative, add the absolute values: 10 + 13 = 23, then make it negative: -23.

Integer Subtraction with Negative Numbers

$(-10)-(+13)=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:02 Positive times negative is always negative, therefore subtract

00:05 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

$(-10)-(+13)=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's locate -10 on the number line and move 13 steps to the left.

Let's note that our result is a negative number:

Let's remember the rule:

$-(+x)=-x$

Now let's write the exercise in the appropriate form and solve it:

$-10-13=-23$

Final Answer

$-23$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Subtracting a positive number means moving left on number line
Technique: (-10) - (+13) becomes -10 - 13 = -23
Check: Start at -10, move 13 left reaches -23 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Confusing subtraction direction on number line
Don't move right when subtracting positive numbers = wrong positive answer! Subtraction always means moving left, addition means moving right. Always remember: subtract positive = move left, add positive = move right.

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 do I get a negative answer when both numbers are negative?

Actually, only -10 is negative in this problem! The +13 is positive, and subtracting a positive number from a negative makes the result more negative.

How do I remember which direction to move on the number line?

Think of it like temperature: subtracting degrees makes it colder (more negative), adding degrees makes it warmer (more positive). Always move left when subtracting!

What's the difference between (-10) - (+13) and (-10) + (-13)?

Great question! $(-10) - (+13) = -23$ but $(-10) + (-13) = -23$ . Wait - they're the same! That's because subtracting positive equals adding negative.

Can I just ignore the parentheses and signs?

Never ignore the signs! The parentheses help you see the signs clearly. (-10) - (+13) becomes -10 - 13, which is very different from 10 + 13.

How do I check my answer without using a number line?

Use the absolute value method: Since both operations make the number more negative, add the absolute values: 10 + 13 = 23, then make it negative: -23.

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