When Iris subtracted-16-(-16), she got a difference of 32. Is her answer correct? If not, what mistake did she make? Explain

Mathematics · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021

Answered on

Given the statement:

Iris subtracted -16 - (-16) and she got a difference of -32

Determine if her answer is correct.

Explanation:

Iris answer is not correct since she didn't apply the rule when a negative sign is being introduced/multiplied or divided to another negative number. The rule states that whenever two numbers with same sign are introduced/multiplied/divided, the answer will be positive, hence if the signs are opposite then the answer is negative. To showcase this we will solve using the correct method.

Solution:

= -16 - (-16)

= -16 + 16

= -

Final answer:
Iris' answer is not correct since the answer should be 0.