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Add the Opposite
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Add the Opposite
To subtract a number, add its opposite. For example, 6 − 3 = 6 + (−3). Show your working where asked.
Choose the equivalent addition
1.Which addition expression has the same value as 11 − 6?
- 11 + (−6)
- 11 + 6
- −11 + 6
- 6 + (−11)
2.Tane’s coding score is −2 points. Which addition expression represents his score after a 5-point deduction?
- −2 + (−5)
- −2 + 5
- 2 + (−5)
- 5 + 2
3.Which expression is equivalent to 8 − (−4)?
- 8 + 4
- 8 + (−4)
- −8 + 4
- −8 + (−4)
4.A server’s temperature changes from 3°C by a drop of 9°C. Which addition expression represents the change from 3°C?
- 3 + (−9)
- 3 + 9
- −3 + 9
- 9 + (−3)
Convert and calculate
5.Rewrite 12 − 17 as an addition, then calculate.
6.Rewrite −6 − 8 as an addition, then calculate.
7.Rewrite 5 − (−7) as an addition, then calculate.
8.In the coding club’s points game, Mei has −4 points and then loses 3 more. Write this as a subtraction equation, convert it to addition of the opposite, and find her new score.
9.Start at 2 on the number line. Show 2 − 6 by adding the opposite, and write the result.
Match and explain
10.Match each subtraction expression to its equivalent addition expression.
- A. 7 − 10
- B. −5 − 3
- C. 4 − (−6)
- D. 0 − (−9)
- E. −2 − (−8)
- 5. −2 + 8
- 4. 4 + 6
- 2. 0 + 9
- 1. −5 + (−3)
- 3. 7 + (−10)
11.Explain why subtracting a number gives the same result as adding its opposite.
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