Identify Signs: Identify the signs of the numbers involved in the subtraction.We have −9 and −(−4). The first number is negative, and the second number is also negative, but since it is being subtracted, it becomes positive.
Rewrite Subtraction: Rewrite the subtraction of a negative number as the addition of a positive number.Subtracting a negative is the same as adding its positive counterpart. So, −9−(−4) becomes −9+4.
Determine Operation: Determine the operation to perform based on the signs.Since we are adding a negative number (−9) and a positive number (4), we will subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value.
Perform Subtraction: Perform the subtraction.Subtract the absolute value of the smaller number from the absolute value of the larger number: 9−4.Calculate: 9−4=5.
Determine Sign: Determine the sign of the final answer.Since the original larger number was negative (−9), the result will also be negative.
Combine for Final Answer: Combine the result from Step 4 with the sign from Step 5 to get the final answer.The final answer is −5.