ARITHMETIC Arithmetic Operations (Page 2 of 6)

Use the blue MINUS key to perform a subtraction. If negative numbers are involved, they must be preceded by the NEGATION key.

Try subtracting: 212.13 - 41.6 and then (-1364) - (-5009).

 CLEAR key.
 212.13 Minus key. 41.6 ENTER key.

 Negation key. 1364 Minus key. Negation key. 5009 ENTER key.

 Calculator screen image.

It is important to understand the difference between the blue MINUS key and the gray NEGATION key. The blue key is only used for a subtraction between two numbers. It can never be used to indicate a number that is negative. Negative numbers must always be entered using the gray key. Parentheses are not required around  negative numbers, but you may use them if you prefer. It will not affect the outcome unless a power is involved.
Copyright © 2010 Turner Educational Publishing
Go back to the previous page. Go to the next page. Go to the Table of Contents. Go to the Index page. Go to the Quiz page. Exit to the Home page.