Solve: Subtracting (-0.97) from (+3.34) with Decimal Numbers

Q: Why does subtracting a positive number make the answer more negative?

Think of it like money: if you have -$0.97 (you owe 97 cents) and then spend another $3.34, you now owe even more money! Subtracting positive numbers from negative numbers always makes them more negative.

Q: How do I know when to add or subtract the decimal values?

When both numbers end up negative (like $ -0.97 - 3.34 $), you add their absolute values and keep the negative sign. The result gets further from zero on the number line.

Q: What's the difference between -(+3.34) and just -3.34?

They're exactly the same! The rule $ -(+x) = -x $ means that the negative of a positive number is just the negative number. So -(+3.34) = -3.34.

Q: How can I check if -4.31 is the right answer?

Substitute back: $ (-0.97) - (+3.34) = -0.97 - 3.34 $. Since both numbers are negative when added, you get -(0.97 + 3.34) = -4.31 ✓

Q: Why don't I just ignore the signs and subtract 3.34 from 0.97?

Because 0.97 is smaller than 3.34! You can't subtract a larger number from a smaller one and get a positive result. The negative signs tell you the final answer must be negative.

Decimal Subtraction with Negative Numbers

$(-0.97)-(+3.34)=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Simply

00:04 Negative times positive is always negative

00:12 Let's use long addition for calculation

00:21 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

$(-0.97)-(+3.34)=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's remember the rule:

$-(+x)=-x$

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

$-0.97-3.34=$

Since we are subtracting a smaller number from a larger number, the result will necessarily be negative.

We'll connect the two numbers but won't forget that the final result is with a minus sign:

$0.97\\+3.34\\4.31$

In other words:

$-0.97-3.34=-4.31$

Final Answer

$-4.31$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Sign Rule: Subtracting a positive number means adding its negative
Technique: Convert (-0.97) - (+3.34) to -0.97 - 3.34
Check: Both numbers negative, sum magnitudes: 0.97 + 3.34 = 4.31 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Treating subtraction of positive as addition
Don't change (-0.97) - (+3.34) to -0.97 + 3.34 = wrong positive result! This ignores the subtraction operation completely. Always remember that subtracting a positive number makes the result more negative.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ -5-(-2)= $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does subtracting a positive number make the answer more negative?

Think of it like money: if you have -$0.97 (you owe 97 cents) and then spend another $3.34, you now owe even more money! Subtracting positive numbers from negative numbers always makes them more negative.

How do I know when to add or subtract the decimal values?

When both numbers end up negative (like $-0.97 - 3.34$ ), you add their absolute values and keep the negative sign. The result gets further from zero on the number line.

What's the difference between -(+3.34) and just -3.34?

They're exactly the same! The rule $-(+x) = -x$ means that the negative of a positive number is just the negative number. So -(+3.34) = -3.34.

How can I check if -4.31 is the right answer?

Substitute back: $(-0.97) - (+3.34) = -0.97 - 3.34$ . Since both numbers are negative when added, you get -(0.97 + 3.34) = -4.31 ✓

Why don't I just ignore the signs and subtract 3.34 from 0.97?

Because 0.97 is smaller than 3.34! You can't subtract a larger number from a smaller one and get a positive result. The negative signs tell you the final answer must be negative.

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