Question

evaluate the following. (a) 5 - 9 = \boxed{} (b) |5 - 9| = \boxed{}

Explanation:

Part (a)

Step1: Perform subtraction

To evaluate \( 5 - 9 \), we know that when subtracting a larger number from a smaller number, the result is negative. So \( 5-9=-4 \).

Step1: Calculate the absolute value

First, find the value inside the absolute value: \( 5 - 9=-4 \). Then, the absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, so \( |5 - 9|=|-4| \).

Step2: Evaluate the absolute value

The absolute value of \(-4\) is \( 4 \), so \( |5 - 9| = 4 \).

Answer:

(a): \(-4\)

Part (b)