- Recognize that subtracting a negative number is equivalent to adding a positive number: \(19 - (-28) = 19 + 28\).
- Add the two values: \(19 + 28 = 47\).
- Final simplified result: \(\boxed{47}\).
Explanation
- Analysis of the Expression
The problem asks us to simplify the expression \(19 - (-28)\). In arithmetic, subtracting a negative number is equivalent to adding its positive counterpart. This is based on the principle that the opposite of a negative value is positive, expressed as \(-(-x) = x\).
- Simplifying the Expression
Applying the principle of double negation, we can rewrite the expression as:
\[19 - (-28) = 19 + 28\]
Now, we perform the addition:
\[19 + 28 = 47\]
Thus, the expression simplifies to \(47\).
Examples
In everyday life, subtraction of negative numbers often appears in temperature changes or financial accounting. For instance, if the temperature drops to \(-28^\circ\)C below zero and then we describe a change of \(-28^\circ\)C, we are essentially looking at how far from the baseline we are. Similarly, if you owe someone money, representing it as a negative value, and then that debt is forgiven (subtracting the debt), your financial standing increases just as subtracting a negative integer increases the total. This fundamental arithmetic operation helps us handle adjustments and offsets correctly in many real-world measurements.