Question

How do you compute `-19-8`?

Answer 1

`-27`

Explanation:

To avoid confusion between signs, we can factor out a `-1`. We get:

`-1(19+8)`

We can simplify the terms in the parenthesis to get:

`-1*27=-27`

Answer 2

The answer is -27, see explanation for mini-lesson.

Explanation:

In order to find the answer to these types of problems, you must know how to keep the negative and positive signs straight.

Else the problem is completely messed up.

First off, you have a `-19`.
Make sure to take notice of the negative here.

Then, you have another negative, `-8`.

This problem is the same as doing `-19+ -8`.
Basically, you are adding two negative together.

So, for the sake of keeping the signs in order, I will temporarily move both the negatives out to show how easy the problem is.

`-(19+8)` is another way of writing this.

By adding `19` and `8`, we get 27.
So, take the negative of this, and get the answer.

Simply, really.