To subtract \( 5 \) from \( -18.1 \), you can follow these steps:
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Understand the operation: Subtracting a positive number is the same as adding its negative. So, \( -18.1 - 5 \) can be rewritten as \( -18.1 + (-5) \).
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Combine the numbers: Since both numbers are negative (the first is \( -18.1 \) and the second, \( -5 \)), you can add their absolute values:
- The absolute value of \( -18.1 \) is \( 18.1 \).
- The absolute value of \( -5 \) is \( 5 \).
- Now add these values: \( 18.1 + 5 = 23.1 \).
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Add the negative sign: Since both numbers are negative, the result is also negative: \[ -18.1 - 5 = -23.1 \]
Thus, the final answer is: \[ -18.1 - 5 = -23.1 \]