- Recognize that subtracting a negative number is equivalent to adding its positive counterpart: \(-8 - (-8) = -8 + 8\).
- Perform the addition: \(-8 + 8 = 0\).
- The final result is \(\boxed{0}\).
Explanation
- Analysis of the Expression
The problem requires evaluating the expression \(-8 - (-8)\). This involves two integers, -8 and -8, connected by a subtraction operation. In arithmetic, subtracting a negative number is equivalent to adding the corresponding positive number. Mathematically, this is expressed as the property \(a - (-b) = a + b\).
- Simplifying the Expression
We apply the property of subtracting a negative number to the given expression:
\[-8 - (-8) = -8 + 8\]
By replacing the subtraction of \(-8\) with the addition of \(8\), we simplify the expression to a basic sum of two integers.
- Calculating the Final Result
Now, we perform the addition:
\[-8 + 8 = 0\]
Thus, the final result of the expression \(-8 - (-8)\) is 0.
Examples
Think of a bank account balance. If you are in debt by 8 dollars, your balance is \(-8\). If the bank decides to cancel that debt, it is equivalent to subtracting -8 dollars from your account. Subtracting a negative debt is the same as adding 8 dollars to your balance, bringing you back to a zero balance. This illustrates how negative signs function in real-world financial transactions.