Chapter 1: Problem 9
Subtract. \(-26-(-18)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The result of
\(-26 - (-18)\) is
\(-8\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the expression
The expression to solve is \(-26 - (-18)\). We need to perform this subtraction.
02
Understand negative subtraction
When subtracting a negative number, it is equivalent to adding the positive of that number. For example, \(-a - (-b) = -a + b\). In this case, \(-26 - (-18)\) becomes \(-26 + 18\).
03
Perform the addition
Now we solve \(-26 + 18\). To do this, consider it as a comparison between negative and positive values: - Start at -26 and move 18 steps towards the positive on the number line.Ultimately, the calculation will be:- Find the difference between absolute values: \(26 - 18 = 8\).- The result takes the sign of the originally larger absolute value (26), which is negative.
04
Write the result
The result of the calculation \(-26 + 18\) is \(-8\), since the result of subtracting 18 from 26 (when seen as movement on the number line) keeps us in the negative zone.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Negative Numbers
Negative numbers are numbers less than zero, represented with a minus sign (e.g., -5, -26). They are the opposite of positive numbers and can be visualized on a number line to the left of zero. Negative numbers become essential when dealing with real-world contexts, such as temperatures below freezing or depths below sea level.
- In arithmetic operations, handling negative numbers requires careful attention, especially in subtraction.
- Subtracting a negative number can initially seem confusing but is straightforward once you understand it changes to addition.
Absolute Value
The absolute value of a number refers to its distance from zero on a number line, regardless of direction. This concept is crucial when comparing magnitudes of numbers without considering their signs.
- For instance, the absolute value of -26 is 26, and the absolute value of 18 is 18.
- It transforms a negative number into its positive counterpart.
- The absolute value of -26: 26
- The absolute value of 18: 18
- Subtract these values: \(26 - 18 = 8\)
Number Line
A number line is a straight line with numbers placed at intervals along its length, which visually represents real numbers, including negative numbers and zero. It's a useful tool for visualizing operations like addition and subtraction.
- Negative numbers are plotted on the left side of zero, while positive numbers are on the right.
- Each position on the number line corresponds to a real number.