How do u subtract a negative

Subtracting Negative Numbers

When Subtracting a positive number from a negative number-start at the negative number, and count backwards the additional amount you're subtracting.

Example: Let's say we had the problem - 5 - 3. This would be read as "negative five minus three." This can be thought of on a number line, which means we're going to start at the negative number (-5) and keep counting back the - 3, arriving at - 8.