Solving Mathematical Expressions: -60 - 20 - 20

Mathematics is a vast and fascinating field, encompassing a wide range of operations, including subtraction, addition, multiplication, and division. One common mathematical operation is the subtraction of numbers, especially when dealing with negative numbers. In this article, we will explore the process of solving the expression -60 - 20 - 20. Understanding these steps can help clarify some of the fundamental principles of arithmetic and algebra.

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the expression -60 - 20 - 20, we will break it down into simpler steps to ensure a clear and accurate understanding:

First Subtraction:
Perform the first subtraction:
-60 - 20 -80
This step involves subtracting 20 from -60, which moves the number even further to the left on the number line, resulting in -80. Second Subtraction:
Perform the second subtraction:
-80 - 20 -100
Subtracting another 20 from -80 moves the number even further to the left, resulting in -100.

Therefore, the final answer to the expression -60 - 20 - 20 is -100.

A Summary of the Process

The expression -60 - 20 - 20 simplifies to -100 through the following process:

-60 - 20 - 20

-80 - 20

-100

This simplification demonstrates the basic principle of subtracting negative numbers. When you subtract a negative number from another, it is equivalent to adding the positive value of that number. Therefore, subtracting two negative numbers from a negative number can be thought of as adding two positive numbers to a negative number, which results in a more negative number.

Understanding Subtraction with Negative Numbers

In mathematics, when you subtract a negative number from another, the operation is equivalent to adding the positive value of that number. This means that subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive. Let's break this down with the given expression:

-60 - (-20) - (-20) is equivalent to:

-60 20 20

-60 40

-20

Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding the positive value of that number. So, for the original expression, this principle can be applied as follows:

-60 - 20 - 20 is equivalent to:

-60 - 40

-100

This shows the importance of converting subtraction of negative numbers into addition of positive numbers, simplifying the process of solving the expression.

Conclusion

To summarize, the expression -60 - 20 - 20 simplifies to -100 through a straightforward process of performing subtraction step by step. Understanding the principles of subtracting negative numbers can greatly enhance one's ability to solve more complex mathematical expressions. Whether you are a student, teacher, or just someone with a general interest in mathematics, this article provides a clear and concise explanation of the key concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you subtract negative numbers?

A: Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding the positive value of that number. For example, in the expression -60 - (-20), the subtraction of -20 is equivalent to adding 20 to -60.

Q: Can you provide another example of subtracting negative numbers?

A: Sure, let's consider the expression -30 - (-10). This can be simplified as:

-30 10

-20

So, -30 - (-10) -20.

Q: What if there are more than two negative numbers in an expression?

A: The process is similar, whether there are two or multiple negative numbers. For example, in the expression -70 - 30 - (-20), this simplifies to:

-70 - 30 20

-70 - 10

-80

Thus, -70 - 30 - (-20) -80.