Question

When a negative integer is subtracted from another negative integer, the sign of the result ______.

Options

• is always negative

• is always positive

• is never negative

• depends on the numerical value of the integers

Answer 1

When a negative integer is subtracted from another negative integer, the sign of the result depends on the numerical value of the integers.

Explanation:

Suppose we take two negative integers –2 and –3.

We subtract (–3) from (–2) and give a minus sign to get the result.

i.e –2 – (–3) = –2 + 3 = 1

Again, we subtract (–2) from –3 and give a plus sign to get the result.

i.e –3 – (–2) = –3 + 2 = –1

So, the sign of the result depends on the numerical value of the integers.