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Is subtraction commutative?

In: Math and Arithmetic [Edit categories]

Answer:

Answer

No.
The binary operation of subtraction (really adding a negative number) is NOT commutative.

Let's say * is the binary operation of subtraction (really addition): such that

a*b = a - b or more correctly: a + (-b).

Let's assume it is commutative, Then a*b = b*a

Let's find any counter example to show that this not the case:

a=1
b=4

1 + (-4) =/= 4 + -1

-3 =/= 3

First answer by ID1204039855. Last edit by Majorstoner. Contributor trust: 0 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 20 [recommend question].

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