(Back to the tutorial on subtracting real numbers)

Beginning Algebra
Answer/Discussion to Practice Problems
on Subtracting Real Numbers


 

Answer/Discussion to 1a

-10 - (-2)


 
-10 - (-2) = -10 + 2 = -8. 

Subtracting -2 is the same as adding 2. Once it is written as addition, we just following the rules for addition to complete.


 
(return to problem 1a)

 


 

Answer/Discussion to 1b

- 4.1 - 5.3


 
- 4.1 - 5.3 = - 4.1 + (-5.3) = -9.4.

Subtracting 5.3 is the same as adding -5.3. Once it is written as addition, We just following the rules for addition to complete.


 
(return to problem 1b)

 


 

Answer/Discussion to 2a


 
Since we have several operations going on in this problem, we will have to use the order of operations to make sure that we get the correct answer. 

If you need to review the order of operations go to Tutorial 4: Operations of Real Numbers.


 

*Exponent
*Multiplication
*27 + (-2) = 25

 
(return to problem 2a)


 

Answer/Discussion to 2b


 
Since we have several operations going on in this problem, we will have to use the order of operations to make sure that we get the correct answer. 

If you need to review the order of operations go to Tutorial 4: Operations of Real Numbers.


 

*Eval. inside of absolute value

*Exponent
*Multiplication

*16 - 4 = 12

 


 
(return to problem 2b)


 

Answer/Discussion to 3a


 
 
To review evaluating an expression go to Tutorial 4: Introduction to Variable Expressions and Equations.

Plugging 2 for x and -2 for y and simplifying we get:


 
*Plug in 2 for x and -2 for y
 

 


 
(return to problem 3a)


 

Answer/Discussion to 4a


 
 
If you need a review on what a solution to an equation is go to Tutorial 4: Introduction to Variable Expressions and Equations.

Replacing x with -2 we get:


 
*Plug in -2 for x
 

 


 
Is -2 a solution? 

Since we got a TRUE statement (7 does in fact equal 7), then -2 is a solution to this equation.


 
(return to problem 4a)

 


(Back to the tutorial on subtracting real numbers)


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Last revised on Jan. 8, 2002 by Kim Seward.