Question

Multiple Choice Which expression has a value closest to 0?

1. $23-25$
2. $23-\left(-22\right)$
3. $-23-23$
4. $23-\left(-25\right)$

Short answer

The expression $23-25$ has a value closest to 0. Hence option (a) is correct.

Step-by-step solution

Step-1 – Apply the concept addition

Two numbers with similar signs get added and the resulting number carries the similar sign.

Two numbers with opposite signs get subtracted and the resulting number carries the sign of the larger number.

Step-2 – Evaluate the difference

Evaluate the difference of $23-25$as shown below

$\begin{array}{c}23-25=23+\left(-25\right)\\ =-2\end{array}$

So, the difference of $23-25$is –2.

Similarly, the difference of $23-\left(-22\right)$can be computed by adding the opposite of –22 with 23. That is,

$\begin{array}{c}23-\left(-22\right)=23+22\\ =45\end{array}$

Thus, the difference of $23-\left(-22\right)$is 45.

Step-3- Evaluate the difference

Evaluate the difference of $-23-23$as shown below

$\begin{array}{c}-23-23=-23+\left(-23\right)\\ =-46\end{array}$

So, the difference of $-23-23$is –46.

Similarly, the difference of $23-\left(-25\right)$can be computed by adding the opposite of –25 with 23. That is,

$\begin{array}{c}23-\left(-25\right)=23+25\\ =48\end{array}$

Thus, the difference of $23-\left(-25\right)$is 48.

Therefore, the expression in option (a) $23-25$has a value closest to 0.