Identify Signs: Identify the signs of the numbers involved. The number 3 is positive, and the number 9 is also positive. However, since we are performing subtraction 3−9, we are taking a larger positive number away from a smaller positive number.
Perform Subtraction: Perform the subtraction. Subtract 9 from 3 to find the difference.Calculation: 3−9=−6
Determine Sign: Determine the sign of the result. Since we are subtracting a larger number from a smaller one, the result will be negative.
Verify Calculation: Verify the calculation to ensure there are no math errors. Subtracting a larger number from a smaller number should indeed result in a negative number, and the calculation 3−9=−6 is correct.