When subtracting negative decimals, you can follow the same rules as subtracting positive decimals. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Write down the first negative decimal.
2. Change the subtraction symbol to addition.
3. Write down the second negative decimal preceded by a positive sign.
4. Line up the decimal points of the two decimals.
5. Subtract as normal, disregarding the signs.
6. The result will have the same sign as the larger absolute value.
Let's look at an example:
-3.25 - (-1.75)
1. Write down -3.25
2. Change subtraction to addition.
3. Write down +1.75
4. Line up the decimal points: -3.25 + 1.75
5. Subtract: 3.25 - 1.75 = 1.50
6. The larger absolute value is -3.25, so the result will have a negative sign.
Therefore, -3.25 - (-1.75) = -1.50
subtracting negative decimals
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