Basic Math & Pre-Algebra For Dummies
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Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number — that is, go up on the number line. This rule works regardless of whether you start with a positive number or a negative number.

When subtracting a negative number, remember that the two back-to-back minus signs cancel each other out, leaving you with a plus sign. (Kind of like when you insist you can’t not laugh at your friends, because they’re really pretty ridiculous; the two negatives mean you have to laugh, which is a positive statement.)

Math books often put parentheses around the negative number you’re subtracting so the signs don’t run together, so 3 – –5 is the same as 3 – (–5).

When taking a negative number minus a positive number, drop both minus signs and add the two numbers as if they were both positive; then attach a minus sign to the result.

Sample question

  1. Use the number line to subtract –1 – 4.

    –5. On the number line, –1 – 4 means start at –1, down 4, which brings you to –5.

Practice questions

  1. Use the number line to solve the following subtraction problems:

    a. –3 – 4
    b. 5 – (–3)
    c. –1 – (–8)
    d. –2 – 4
    e. –4 – 2
    f. –6 – (–10)
  2. Solve the following subtraction problems without using the number line:

    a. 17 – (–26)
    b. –21 – 45
    c. –42 – (–88)
    d. –67 – 91
    e. 75 – (–49)
    f. –150 – (–79)
Following are the answers to the practice questions:
  1. Subtraction problems

    a. –3 – 4 = –7. Start at –3, down 4.
    b. 5 – (–3) = 8. Start at 5, up 3.
    c. –1 – (–8) = 7. Start at –1, up 8.
    d. –2 – 4 = –6. Start at –2, down 4.
    e. –4 – 2 = –6. Start at –4, down 2.
    f. –6 – (–10) = 4. Start at –6, up 10.
  2. Subtraction problems without the number line

    a. 17 – (–26) = 43. Cancel the adjacent minus signs to turn the problem into addition:
    17 – (–26) = 17 + 26 = 43
    b. –21 – 45 = –66. Drop the signs, add the numbers, and negate the result:
    21 + 45 = 66, so –21 – 45 = –66
    c. –42 – (–88) = 46. Cancel the adjacent minus signs to turn the problem into addition:
    –42 – (–88) = –42 + 88
    Now switch around the numbers (with their signs) to turn the problem back into subtraction:
    88 – 42 = 46
    d. –67 – 91 = –158. Drop the signs, add the numbers, and negate the result:
    67 + 91 = 158, so –67 – 91 = –158
    e. 75 – (–49) = 124. Cancel the adjacent minus signs to turn the problem into addition:
    75 – (–49) = 75 + 49 = 124
    f. –150 – (–79) = –71. Cancel the adjacent minus signs to turn the problem into addition:
    –150 – (–79) = –150 + 79
    Now switch around the numbers (with their signs) to turn the problem back into subtraction:
    79 – 150 = –71

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