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Three Meanings of the Minus Sign
In algebra, the symbol "" carries three distinct meanings depending on its placement and context:
- Subtraction: When placed between two numbers or expressions, it denotes the operation of subtraction. For example, $10 - 4$ is read "ten minus four."
- Negative number: When placed directly in front of a numeral, it indicates a negative value. For example, is read "negative eight."
- Opposite: When placed in front of a variable or a parenthesized expression, it signals the opposite of that quantity. For example, is read "the opposite of ," and is read "the opposite of negative two," which equals .
Recognizing which meaning applies requires examining the context — just as some English words have multiple definitions clarified by usage.
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Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax
Ch.1 Foundations - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax
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