To solve the expression \(-492.89 - (-871.78)\), we can apply the property of the additive inverse. The additive inverse of a number \(a\) is \(-a\).
Thus, when we subtract a negative number, it's the same as adding its positive counterpart:
\[ -492.89 - (-871.78) = -492.89 + 871.78 \]
Now, we can perform the addition:
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Identify the absolute values:
- The absolute value of \(-492.89\) is \(492.89\).
- The absolute value of \(871.78\) is \(871.78\).
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Perform the addition: \[ 871.78 - 492.89 \]
Calculating that:
\[ 871.78 - 492.89 = 378.89 \]
Thus, the final result is:
\[ -492.89 - (-871.78) = 378.89 \]
So, the answer is \(378.89\).