Algebra 1a: Chapter 2, Lesson 4, page 71.
Subtraction of Rational Numbers
Today, we are working on subtraction of rational numbers. Remember, just do the inverse of subtraction and ADD the inverse (or opposite) of the number to the other number.
Examples:
`2-6 = 2 + (-6) = -4`
`-5 – 7` is really `-5 + (-7)`, remembering that the + sign is invisible. So this becomes just `-5 + (-7)` and remembering the adding rule of 2 negatives, the answer becomes `-12`.
`-4 – (-5)` is really `-4 + 5` because 2 negative are a positive (bling-bling or make change-change from Ms. Phillips and Ms. Craig) and the answer is `+5 – 4` and the final answer is `+1`!
I have a podcast on iTunes that talks about this lesson. Just search on iTunes “MrE Algebra” and you’ll find it. Click here and you can check it out here on your desktop!
Two of tonight’s homework problems solved by MrE are here! Just click it!
Purplemath.com has these tutorials for the addition and subtraction of rational numbers too!