Subtraction

The definition of subtraction is: A - B = A + (-B)

A minus B is the same as A plus (the opposite of B)

X > 0, means that X is a positive number

X < 0, means that X is a negative number

-(A - B) = -A + B = B - A

(-X)2 = X2

If X - 0, X2 > 0

If, on the number line, one number occurs to the left of another number, the number on the left is the smallest number.

Therefore, when studying the line above, you will know that X < Y and Y < Z.

For example:

Use the number line to make conclusions with regards to whether each number is positive or negative.

In this situation, you will have an easier time if you implement specific numbers to fit the problem. For example, let X = -7, Y = -2, and Z = 3. Be certain to utilize some negative numbers while substituting.

The following is an example of a subtraction question:

Y - X

Solution: Positive Y is greater than X.

-2 - (-7) = -2 + 7 = 5