Question

When a negative integer is subtracted from another negative integer, the sign of the result ______.

Options

• is always negative

• is always positive

• is never negative

• depends on the numerical value of the integers

Answer 1

When a negative integer is subtracted from another negative integer, the sign of the result depends on the numerical value of the integers.

Explanation:

Suppose we take two negative integers – 2 and – 3.

We subtract (– 3) from (– 2) and give a minus sign to get the result.

i.e –2 – (– 3) = – 2 + 3 = 1

Again, we subtract (– 2) from – 3 and give a plus sign to get the result.

i.e – 3 – (– 2) = – 3 + 2 = – 1