Why is it that a negative minus a negative is a positive?

Answer 1

Not always....

For example consider 2 negative numbers -3 and -2

Now -3 - (-2) = -3 + 2 = -1(still negative)

Answer 2

A negative minus a negative is NOT always a positive.

Eg) (-10) - (-3) = (-7)

I think what you're asking is when a negative number minuses a negative, it's the same function as ADDING a positive number.

Eg) (-10) - (-3) is the same as (-10) + 3 which is (-7)

Or, are you asking about:
A negative number multiplied by a negative number is positive. That is true.

Eg) (-2) x (-3) = 6

Answer 3

A negative minus a negative is not always a positive, i think u r trying to ask why a number u minus a negative number become a plus.

Example 10-(-5) = 10+5 = 15

U can drawing a number line from 10 to 0 then to -5, count the total number in between 10 and -5, u will get 15.

10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1,0,-1,-2,-3,-4,-5

if 10-2=8 (count the number from 2 to 10)
10-(-5)= 15 (count the number from -5 to 10)

Hope it help.

Answer 4

A negative times a negative is a positive. But what I think you mean is why when you have a problem like 3-(-3)= do you add it? If that is what you are asking think about this, if you balance your checkbook and you take away a negative balance what have you done? you have addded money right? Hope that helps btw the answer to my problem is 6

Answer 5

It doesn't work like that. You are thinking about a negative multiplied by a negative being a positive.

Answer 6

Think about it in terms of money. Imagine that you are $100 in debt, or you have -$100. If you were to subtract debt (subtract a negative), you would be gaining money.