Question

When a negative integer is subtracted from another negative integer, the sign of the resulting number is:

• A. Depends on the numerical value of the integer
• B. Always positive
• C. Always non-negative
• D. Always negative

Answer 1

The correct option is A Depends on the numerical value of the integer

Case 1: Let us consider two negative integers −4 and −5.
−4 − (−5) = −4 + 5
= 1
Here, the difference of two negative numbers gives a positive integer.

Case 2: Now, let us consider two negative integers −3 and −2.
−3 − (−2) = −3 + 2
= −1
Here, the difference between two negative numbers gave a negative integer.

Thus, if a negative integer is subtracted from another negative integer, the result always depends on the numerical values of the integers.

Hence, the correct option is D.