Problem 10 - Introductory Algebra for College Students

Question

Perform the indicated subtraction. $$5-(-17)$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Result of the subtraction \(5 - (-17)\) is \(22\).

Step 1: Analyze The Problem

We are given \(5 - (-17)\), with the aim of performing the indicated subtraction. As there are two negative signs adjacent to each other, we simplify them to a positive sign.

Step 2: Conversion of Two Negatives Into a Positive

The two negative signs that are adjacent to each other can be seen as multiplication (i.e., \(-(-17)\) can be simplified to \(+17\)). As a result, the original equation of \(5 - (-17)\) will become \(5 + 17\).

Step 3: Addition

Perform the addition operation on the revised equation, \(5 + 17\), which results in \(22\).