Question

what is the difference? -3 - 9 = \boxed{}

Explanation:

Step1: Rewrite the subtraction as addition

Subtracting a number is the same as adding its opposite. So, \(-3 - 9\) can be rewritten as \(-3 + (-9)\).

Step2: Add the two negative numbers

When adding two negative numbers, we add their absolute values and keep the negative sign. The absolute value of \(-3\) is \(3\) and the absolute value of \(-9\) is \(9\). Adding these absolute values gives \(3 + 9 = 12\). Then, we keep the negative sign, so the result is \(-12\).

Answer:

\(-12\)