GED Math Practice Test

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What is 12 - (-7) simplified to?

12 - 7
12 + 7
-12 - 7
-12 + 7

The correct answer is: 12 + 7

To simplify the expression 12 - (-7), it's important to recognize how subtraction of a negative number works. Subtracting a negative is the same as adding its positive counterpart. In this case, when you have 12 - (-7), it can be rephrased as 12 + 7. This transformation is based on the rule that says: - a - (-b) = a + b. Therefore, simplifying 12 - (-7) gives you 12 + 7. This leads you to the correct answer. While some other options, like 12 - 7, suggest a different operation that does not apply here since the negative sign is not being subtracted directly. Others, such as -12 - 7 and -12 + 7, introduce incorrect values that deviate from the original expression.