can anyone explain why with a subtraction problem we first change the subtraction problem to an additon?

Answer 1

most people find addition easier.

this is how "shopkeeper arithmetic" developed, for giving change. With automated tills, it has rather gone out of fashion.

Answer 2

Consider the following subtractions.
In each case picture the number line and ask how many steps from the second number to the first.
In each case it will be seen that answer can also be obtained by adding inverse of second number to first number.
5 - (- 4) = 9
5 + 4 = 9

12 - (- 2) = 14
12 + 2 = 14

(- 5) - (- 7) = 2
(- 5) + 7 = 2

Hope these help.

Answer 3

In mathematics, it is often useful to view or even define subtraction as a kind of addition, the addition of the opposite. We can view 7 − 3 = 4 as the sum of two terms: seven and negative three. This perspective allows us to apply to subtraction all of the familiar rules and nomenclature of addition. Subtraction is not associative or commutative— in fact, it is anticommutative— but addition of signed numbers is both.

I hope it helps!

Answer 4

Subtraction of a negative number and addition of a positive number is same and similarly subtraction of a positive number and addition of a negative number is same. So, if you are using an adder program, you convert your subtraction into addition by reversing the sign of the number.

Answer 5

yes there is a priority of operations when solving a math problem
#1)clear parentheses
#2)multiplication
#3)division
#4)Addition
#5)subtraction

if with a division problem and we could change it into a multiplication problem we would do the same thing

Answer 6

because addition is easier (we think that way)
10
- 7

ask what plus seven equals 10

Answer 7

thats only if your 2 variable or intergers are negative