Find each sum or difference. See Example 1. -2 - |-4|

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the absolute value expression: \(|-4|\).
2. Calculate the absolute value: \(|-4| = 4\).
3. Substitute the absolute value back into the expression: \(-2 - 4\).
4. Perform the subtraction: \(-2 - 4\).
5. Combine the numbers to find the result.

Key Concepts

Absolute Value

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. It is denoted by vertical bars, such as |x|. For example, |-4| equals 4, as it measures the distance of -4 from 0.

Arithmetic Operations

Arithmetic operations include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In the context of the question, we are focusing on subtraction, which involves taking one number away from another. Understanding how to perform these operations correctly is essential for solving numerical expressions.

Order of Operations

The order of operations is a set of rules that dictates the sequence in which calculations should be performed to ensure consistent results. The common acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) helps remember this order. In the given expression, absolute values should be calculated before performing the subtraction.