Definition: Subtracting signed numbers

Subtracting signed numbers involves finding the difference between two numbers, considering their positive or negative signs.

It involves subtracting the smaller number’s absolute value from the larger number’s absolute value, and the result takes the sign of the larger number.

Explanation:

Identify the signs: Determine whether each number is positive or negative.

Subtract the absolute values: Disregard the signs temporarily and subtract the absolute value (the value without considering its sign) of the smaller number from the absolute value of the larger number.

Determine the sign of the result: The sign of the result depends on the larger number. If the larger number is positive, the result will be positive. If the larger number is negative, the result will be negative.