is Minus a negagtive number the same as a simple subtraction,41.34 - (-1.239) =? 40.101 or 42.579

Question

 minus a negative number is translated into simple subtraction?

Answer 1

Here are the rules for two general numbers, a and b.  I've highlighted the "minus a negative" case for you.  As you can see, subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number.

• a + b = a + b
• a + (-b) = a - b
• (-a) + b = b - a
• a - b = a - b
• a - (-b) = a + b
• -a + (-b) = -a - b = -(a+b)

Answer 2

Hi Maurice,

I tell my students to avoid using the term "minus" since it can mean either "subtract" or "negative". In your question it means subtract.

When you subtract a negative number you can convert that to adding the positive of that number. Some say two "-" make a "+".

So in your problem you are subtracting a negative 1.239 from 41.34 and the answer is 42.579.

Answer 3

Maurice,

 

When there are 2 minuses it becomes a plus

 

So 42.579