Subtracting a positive from a negative? :] ?

Question

Um, i really don't understand how -2d - 4d can equal -6d.

Could you please help me understand why?

:] cause id think that like -2 - a positive would make it a positive 2?

thanks!

Answer 1

it is -2d+-4d which makes -6d. if it was -2d--4d it would be 2d because a negative and a negative make a positive so --4d is actually +4d.

Answer 2

(-2d - 4d) means you're taking 2d and subtracting 4d from it, so your answer will be a lower number than -2, not a bigger number.  

On a number line, you find -2, and count 4 numbers to the left (in the minus direction), and you get -6.  

_ -6 _ -5 _ -4 _ -3 _ -2 _-1_ 0 _ +1_+2_+3 _ +4 _ +5 _ +6 _

Or let me put it this way:

If it's -2 degrees (2 below zero) out, and the temperature drops by 4 degrees, it's going FURTHER below zero to -6.

Answer 3

Seeing it as a number line always helped me:

-3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3

They go away from each other.

Also, it helps if you change the problem a little:

Instead of -2d - 4d, I'd make it

-2d + -4d

It's the same problem, and it makes it easier.  2 + 4 = 6, doesn't it?

-2 + -4 = -6

Answer 4

its super simple just think of it this way...

you got 10 donkeys = 10d

so someone buys 4 donkeys =  -4d

then 2 donkeys die = -2d

how many donkeys do you have left.... 4 donkeys

so assume you dont have the 10 donkeys now and you'll have negative 6 donkeys....... same goes with -2 -4 = -6.....see how simple it is...

good luck....

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Answer 5

http://www.aaamath.com/g76-sub-negative....

http://www.wikihow.com/Add-or-Subtract--...

   1. Write Your Problem Down. Write your problem down in a way that you have plenty of room to work with.

   2. Change the Subtraction Sign to An Addition Sign. Change the problem so that it says to add the number instead of subtract.

   3. Add. Add the numbers. The results are always negative (ex. -5-(+4)= -9)

Answer 6

-2d-4d is the same as -2d+ -4d=-6d

Answer 7

instead of looking at it as subtracting a positive from a negative, look at is as adding a negative and a negative. tht is an easier way to figure it out.

Answer 8

ok i think i can help if you give someone 4 dollers and you give them 2 more dollers you are 6 dollers in the hole