negative 4 minus 3

Guri Bee

less than a minute read

·

16-10-2024

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What is Negative Four Minus Three?

Let's dive into the simple yet fundamental math problem: -4 - 3. This question, though seemingly straightforward, can sometimes be a stumbling block for those new to basic arithmetic.

Understanding the Concept

Subtraction can be thought of as taking away or removing something. In this case, we're taking away 3 from -4.

Visualizing the Problem

Imagine a number line. Start at -4. Moving to the left on the number line represents subtracting. To subtract 3, we move three spaces to the left, landing at -7.

Formal Solution

Mathematically, we can think of subtraction as adding the opposite.

• The opposite of 3 is -3.
• Therefore, -4 - 3 is the same as -4 + (-3)

When adding numbers with the same sign (in this case, both negative), we simply add the magnitudes and keep the negative sign.

• 4 + 3 = 7
• So, -4 + (-3) = -7

Answer: -4 - 3 = -7

Key Takeaways

• Number Line: Visualizing the problem on a number line is a helpful way to understand subtraction.
• Adding Opposites: Thinking of subtraction as adding the opposite makes it easier to solve, especially with negative numbers.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Regular practice with basic arithmetic problems like this can build your confidence and fluency in math.

Additional Examples:

• -5 - 2 = -7 (Move two spaces to the left on the number line from -5)
• -1 - 4 = -5 (Add the magnitudes of -1 and -4 to get 5 and keep the negative sign)

Let's continue exploring the world of numbers!