Question

Solve this problem: –282 – (+1,017) = ?
A. –735 B. –1,299 C. 735 D. 1,299

Answer 1

-282 -(+1,017) 

-282 - 1,017 = -1,299  Choice B.

Since both numbers carry the same sign, you simply add the numbers and transport the sign to the answer. In this case, the sign is a negative sign, thus 282 + 1017 = 1,299; transport the negative sign, it becomes -1,299.

Answer 2

-282 - (+1017)=?
Switch - to +
-282 + (+1017)=?
Then switch the + in parentheses to - to make the signs even
-282 + (-1017)=?
Drop the signs
282 + 1017=?
Add and put back the -
The answer is: -1299