Thread: Why are these decimal subtractions = minus numbers?

1.76 - 15.10

1.28 - 7.43

8.88 - 60.10

Why do they = -numbers?


Thanks!

Because you're subtracting a larger number from a smaller number. For example, 5-2 = 3, but 2-5 = -3.

Originally Posted by richard1234

Because you're subtracting a larger number from a smaller number. For example, 5-2 = 3, but 2-5 = -3.

Thanks a million richard, does that rule count for all subtractions on any type of number and not just decimals?

Also, the biggest number is always on top, right?

Originally Posted by Subliminalmessage

Thanks a million richard, does that rule count for all subtractions on any type of number and not just decimals?

Doesn't matter if that number is decimal, fraction, integer, etc.

Originally Posted by Subliminalmessage

Also, the biggest number is always on top, right?

No. However, if you want to subtract 24.65 - 56.19, you could perhaps write it as -(56.19 - 24.65) and carry out the subtraction.

Originally Posted by richard1234

Doesn't matter if that number is decimal, fraction, integer, etc.

I see, thanks.



No. However, if you want to subtract 24.65 - 56.19, you could perhaps write it as -(56.19 - 24.65) and carry out the subtraction.

I don't understand though, why can't you just do

56.19
24.65

Instead of doing it with the smallest number on top and having to have a - answer?



What is the difference between


4.56
- 5.53 = -0.97


5.67
- 4.42 = 1.25

I'm really confused, probably because I took a break from maths just then and I've came back with a puzzled mind. So why is one minis and one isnt? I know I just asked this but I don't see the difference between these two.

Originally Posted by Subliminalmessage

I don't understand though, why can't you just do

56.19
24.65

Instead of doing it with the smallest number on top and having to have a - answer?



What is the difference between


4.56
- 5.53 = -0.97


5.67
- 4.42 = 1.25

I'm really confused, probably because I took a break from maths just then and I've came back with a puzzled mind. So why is one minis and one isnt? I know I just asked this but I don't see the difference between these two.

The traditional way to do subtraction is to put the larger number (larger = larger absolute value) on top.