Find each sum or difference. See Example 1. -6 - 5

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the operation: This problem involves subtraction, specifically finding the difference between two numbers.
2. Recognize the numbers involved: The numbers are -6 and 5.
3. Apply the rule for subtracting a positive number from a negative number: When you subtract a positive number from a negative number, you move further left on the number line.
4. Rewrite the expression: Subtracting a positive number is the same as adding its negative, so -6 - 5 can be rewritten as -6 + (-5).
5. Combine the numbers: Add the two negative numbers together by combining their absolute values and keeping the negative sign.

Key Concepts

Basic Arithmetic Operations

Understanding basic arithmetic operations, such as addition and subtraction, is essential for solving mathematical expressions. In this case, the operation involves subtracting two integers, which requires knowledge of how to handle negative numbers and the rules governing their addition and subtraction.

Negative Numbers

Negative numbers are numbers less than zero and are crucial in arithmetic operations involving subtraction. When subtracting a larger negative number from a smaller one, the result can be counterintuitive, as it may lead to a more negative outcome. Recognizing how to manipulate negative values is key to solving the problem correctly.

Order of Operations

The order of operations is a set of rules that dictates the sequence in which different mathematical operations should be performed to ensure consistent results. Although this specific question involves only subtraction, understanding the order of operations is vital in more complex expressions where multiple operations are present.