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Is a subtraction of a larger number from a smaller number positive or negative?

Check the final answer first, then review the worked steps.

Problem

Is a subtraction of a larger number from a smaller number positive or negative?

Answer

negative

Step-by-step solution

  1. Identify the operation: The problem asks us to determine the sign of the result of the subtraction $82,168 - 84,630$.
  2. Compare the numbers: We need to compare the two numbers being subtracted. The first number is $82,168$ and the second number is $84,630$.
  3. Determine which number is larger: By comparing $82,168$ and $84,630$, we can see that $84,630$ is larger than $82,168$.
  4. Apply the rule for subtraction: When a larger number is subtracted from a smaller number, the result is always negative.
  5. Calculate the difference (optional but helpful for confirmation): To confirm, we can calculate the difference: $82,168 - 84,630 = -2,462$.
  6. State the sign: Since the result is $-2,462$, it is a negative number.