Verified Answer :

  • For the expression \(-5 - 2\), combine the negative values to get \(\boxed{-7}\).
  • For the expression \(4 - 6\), subtract the larger value from the smaller value to get \(\boxed{-2}\).

Explanation

  1. Analysis and Objective

We are tasked with evaluating two simple arithmetic expressions: \(-5 - 2\) and \(4 - 6\). These expressions involve basic integer subtraction. The goal is to determine the result for each. For the first expression, we are subtracting a positive number from a negative number, which is equivalent to moving further into the negative values. For the second expression, we are subtracting a larger positive number from a smaller positive number, which results in a negative value.

  1. Calculations and Results

To compute \(-5 - 2\), we recognize that this is equivalent to \(-(5 + 2)\). Calculating the sum of the magnitudes gives us \(5 + 2 = 7\). Applying the negative sign, we obtain \(-7\). For the second expression, \(4 - 6\), we can rewrite this as \(-(6 - 4)\). Calculating the difference of the magnitudes gives us \(6 - 4 = 2\). Applying the negative sign, we obtain \(-2\). Therefore, the result of \(-5 - 2\) is \(-7\), and the result of \(4 - 6\) is \(-2\).

Examples

In everyday situations, keeping track of money is common. For example, if you have a bank balance of \(\$4\) and you withdraw \(\$6\), you end up with a negative balance of \(\$2\), which is a common scenario represented by subtraction of a larger number from a smaller one. Understanding these operations is essential for managing personal finances and basic budgeting.