Big Ideas Math Integrated I, 2016
BI
Big Ideas Math Integrated I, 2016 View details
4. Graphing Linear Equations in Standard Form
Continue to next subchapter

Exercise 42 Page 134

What happens when you subtract a negative number?

5/3

Practice makes perfect

To simplify this expression, we need to consider the order of operations. We should fully simplify the numerator and denominator before trying to calculate the quotient.

12-17/-5-(-2)
12-17/-5+2
-5/-3
5/3

Extra

Understanding Subtracting a Negative Number
The idea of subtracting a negative number might be confusing. a-(- b)=a+b Try thinking about it in terms of English instead. When a double negative is used in conversation, it changes the meaning to be positive.

Your friend: Why are you going to the school play this Saturday?
You: I would never NOT go to a school play! I get extra credit in my English class if I go!

Saying never not means you always go. Math works the same way!