Question 4

We will use money to understand subtracting a negative number.

Step 1 — Understanding Debt

Let's think about money. Having money is a positive amount. Owing money is a negative amount. If you have ₹10, that is positive. If you owe ₹5, that is -₹5. This is your debt. We start with ₹10. Our initial amount is ₹10.

$10$

$\boxed{\text{Initial Amount} = \text{₹}10}$

Step 2 — Removing Debt

Now, let's consider $10 - (-5)$. The -₹5 means you owe ₹5. Subtracting a negative number means removing this debt. Removing a debt of ₹5 makes you richer. Your money increases by ₹5. So, $10 - (-5)$ means $10 + 5$.

$10 - (-5)$

$= 10 + 5$

$\boxed{15}$

This shows subtracting a negative is adding a positive.

Answer

Subtracting a negative number, like removing a debt, increases your net worth, which is equivalent to adding a positive number.