Question

Use the additive inverse to find - 123.45 - (-234.76).
A. -111.31
B. 121.31
C. 111.31
D. -358.21

Answer 1

To solve \(-123.45 - (-234.76)\) using the additive inverse, follow these steps:

1. Notice that subtracting a negative number is the same as adding its positive counterpart.
\[
-123.45 - (-234.76) = -123.45 + 234.76
\]

2. Perform the addition:
\[
-123.45 + 234.76
\]

Break it down step by step:

Add the positive parts first:
\[
234.76 - 123.45
\]

You can align the decimal points and subtract:
\[
\begin{array}{r}
234.76 \\
-123.45 \\
\hline
\end{array}
\]

Subtract starting from the rightmost digits:
\[
6 - 5 = 1 \\
7 - 4 = 3 \\
4 - 3 = 1 \\
3 - 2 = 1 \\\
2 - 1 = 1
\]
Results being:
\[
111.31
\]

3. Therefore, the result is:
\[
-123.45 - (-234.76) = 111.31
\]

The correct answer is:
\[
\boxed{111.31}
\]