If you subtract $-1$ from $+1$, what will be the result?
Aptitude
Number System
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
A-2
-
B0
-
C1
-
D2
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**.