Negative numbers

Subtract negative numbers

In the rules of mathematics, subtracting a negative number is the same as adding.

Key rule: when you see "minus a negative," think "plus a positive."

Example

Step 1: Start with the equation

Due to the rules of PEMDAS, the equation 10 - (3 - 5)

Step 2: Solve the parentheses

is reduced to: 10 - (-2)

Step 3: Subtracting a negative

which is the same as: 10 + 2 = 12

Important note: the parentheses were important because without them, we would get: 10 - 3 - 5 = 2