Math Problem Statement

Mr. Lin writes the expressions -20 - 8 and 8 - (-20) on the board. He asks his class which result is greater. How can his class decide without finding the value of each difference?

Solution

Let's address the problem from the image.

Problem 1:

Expressions:

  • 208-20 - 8
  • 8(20)8 - (-20)

The question asks which result is greater without actually calculating the values directly.

Approach:

  1. Expression 1:
    208-20 - 8
    This represents a more negative value. Starting from 20-20 and subtracting 8 makes it even more negative, which will be 28-28.

  2. Expression 2:
    8(20)8 - (-20)
    Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding. So, 8(20)=8+20=288 - (-20) = 8 + 20 = 28.

Comparing without actual values:

  • The first expression 208-20 - 8 results in a negative value (very small).
  • The second expression 8(20)8 - (-20) results in a positive value (very large).

Since positive numbers are always greater than negative numbers, the second expression 8(20)8 - (-20) must be the greater result.


Would you like a more detailed step-by-step breakdown of this comparison?

Here are five related questions for further exploration:

  1. How do we add and subtract negative numbers?
  2. What happens when we subtract a negative number?
  3. Why is subtracting negative values equivalent to addition?
  4. How do integer chips help visualize negative and positive numbers?
  5. How would the comparison change if both numbers were negative?

Tip: Whenever you're comparing expressions with negatives, look for opportunities to turn them into addition—this makes things much clearer!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Addition and Subtraction of Integers
Negative Numbers

Formulas

a - (-b) = a + b

Theorems

Subtraction of a negative number equals addition

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8