If you subtract $-1$ from $+1$, what will be the result?

Aptitude Number System Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    -2
  • B
    0
  • C
    1
  • D
    2

Answer

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation

### Concept & Rule This question tests a fundamental principle of signed numbers (integers). Subtracting a negative integer is mathematically equivalent to adding its positive counterpart. $$ A - (-B) = A + B $$ ### Step-by-Step Solution * **Given:** Subtract $-1$ from $+1$. * **Step 1:** Translate the English phrasing into a mathematical equation. "Subtract $A$ from $B$" translates to $B - A$. $(+1) - (-1)$ * **Step 2:** Apply the signed number rule. The two negative signs (the subtraction operation and the negative value of the number) cancel each other out to become a positive. $1 + 1$ * **Step 3:** Perform the simple addition. $1 + 1 = 2$ ### Exam Strategy & Shortcut Simply visualize the number line. If you are at $+1$, and you subtract a positive number, you move left. But subtracting a negative number acts as a "double reverse," meaning you move to the right. Starting at $+1$ and moving right by $1$ unit places you at $+2$. ### Common Pitfall The most frequent error is misreading the English phrasing "subtract from." Many students write down $(-1) - (+1) = -2$, selecting option (a). Always remember that the value coming *after* the word "from" is your starting number (the minuend). ### Final Answer Therefore, the correct answer is **2**.
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