What is the result when subtracting two negative numbers?

When subtracting two negative numbers, the operation can be understood more clearly by rephrasing the mathematical expression. For instance, if you take –3 and subtract –5, it is equivalent to expressing the operation as –3 + 5. The subtraction of a negative number essentially converts that negative number into a positive one.

This means that when you subtract a negative value, you are effectively adding the absolute value of that number. As a result, the difference of two negative numbers yields a positive outcome because you are moving farther to the right on the number line. This transformation from subtraction to addition is the key concept that leads to the understanding that the result will be positive.

Thus, the operation demonstrates that the result of subtracting two negative numbers indeed results in a positive value.