Subract to Add

The simplest thing in Mathematics after counting is addition, followed by subtraction. You may feel both are different, but they are really not, if you know negative numbers.

Adding a positive number is same as subtracting negative of the same number.

Alternatively, subtracting a positive number is same as adding the negative of same number.

This works weather you use BODMAS or PEMDAS for your calculation. It leads to the same result.

Why is it important?

It’s important because it is very similar to some challenges we face in our everyday life. We make choices on a daily basis. We add and remove things from our schedules and priorities all the time.

We are humans, and with that comes a lot of limitations in our life. We have a limited time on this planet. We can remember only a handful things. We can make only a few meaningful relationships. Even our phones can handle only a limited set of apps at a time.

We can not have it all. So, adding important things and removing non-important things is important.

1. Adding positives

Imagine you want to improve your life by incorporating good habits, such as exercise. This is equivalent to adding a positive thing.

2. Subtracting negatives

Now imagine you want to improve your life (same goal) by removing bad habits, such as smoking. This is equivalent to subtracting a negative thing.

Versatility of this rule

a-(-b) = a+b

subtraction is an addition, when you are removing negatives.

— Sunil (@0xsunil) July 14, 2023

This is applicable almost everywhere.

• To get more time, remove unnecessary meetings.
• To make better bonds, get rid of negative relationships
• To use digital space better, remove unproductive apps.

Sometimes, the addition is easier. Sometimes, it’s the subtraction. Doing both simultaneously is every more useful.

Happy mathing.