Identify Signs: Identify the signs of the numbers involved. The number 2 is positive, and the number 5 is also positive. However, since we are performing subtraction (2−5), we are taking a larger positive number away from a smaller positive number.
Perform Subtraction: Perform the subtraction. Subtract 5 from 2 to find the difference. 2−5=−3. Since we are taking away more than we have, the result will be negative.
Verify Result: Verify the result. The absolute value of 5 is greater than the absolute value of 2, so when we subtract a larger number from a smaller one, the result should indeed be negative. This confirms that our calculation in Step 2 is correct.