Is a positive number minus a negative number equal to a negative number?

Answer 1

No it is a positive number, because there are two negative signs you cancel them.

For example:

9-(-4)=13

Since there is a parenthesis between both signs (parenthesis means to multiply) you multiply. Negative X Negative = Positive; then the -4 becomes positive and finally you just add. Very complex isn't it.

Think about it like this. Say you're in a car on a North-South road. North is positive, and South is negative. If you're a positive number, then point your car North, if a negative, point your car South. Now if you are to be added, then drive forward, and if you are to be subtracted, then put in reverse and drive backward. So in the above example, start at 9 miles North of a reference point (mile zero). Then you are negative 4, so point the car South, but since you are subtracting, drive in reverse for 4 miles (you will be moving toward the North, which is in the positive direction), and arrive 13 miles North of the reference point (positive 13). Hope this helps.