a and b are negative numbers.
Therefore, what kind of number is is a-b?
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a and b are negative numbers.
Therefore, what kind of number is is a-b?
We test using an example:
We define that
a = -1
b = -2
Now we replace in the exercise:
-1-(-2) = -1+2 = 1
In this case, the result is positive!
We test the opposite case, where b is greater than a
We define that
a = -2
b = -1
-2-(-1) = -2+1 = -1
In this case, the result is negative!
Therefore, the correct solution to the whole question is: "It's impossible to know".
Impossible to know.
What will be the sign of the result of the next exercise?
\( (-2)\cdot(-4)= \)
Great question! When you subtract negative numbers, you're actually adding their opposites. So a - b becomes a + (-b). The sign depends on which number has the larger absolute value.
Test at least two cases: one where the first number is closer to zero (like -1 and -2), and one where the second number is closer to zero (like -2 and -1). This shows both possible outcomes.
It means the answer could be positive, negative, or zero depending on the specific values of a and b. Without knowing their exact values, we cannot determine a single answer type.
Yes! If , then a - b is negative. If , then a - b is positive. If , then a - b equals zero.
Both forms are mathematically equivalent! Writing a - b is more common, but thinking of it as a + (-b) can help you understand why subtracting a negative number gives a positive result.
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