Question

Dumb question, is it correct to say that there is no such function as subtraction, merely the addition of negative numbers? or is there a logical fallacy that I would reach at some point with that mentality?

Answer 1

Semantics.

Answer 2

It helps me to remember to change my signs when subtracting polynomials, only reason I ask.

Answer 3

It is sometimes convenient to look at subtraction as negative addition, normally in an abstract algebra context.

For day to day mathematics, I agree that is simply semantics, unnecessary in fact.

Answer 4

It does make things simpler in a sense to disregard subtraction as its own operation. Instead, negative numbers exist as the additive inverse of positive numbers (The number. -n, which, when added to a number n results in 0, the additive identity) and subtraction is simply the addition of a negative number.

Similarly, with multiplication we can disregard the existence of division as its own operation. Instead, division by a number is simply the multiplication by that number's multiplicative inverse (For a number x, the inverse is a number y such that x*y = 1, which is the multiplicative identity).

Answer 5

But as Estudiar said, for the common man, such distinctions are not necessary or even helpful. They just represent a deeper level of understanding which is beneficial for more advanced mathematics.

Answer 6

Let us also disregard the integral, and consider only the derivative.

Answer 7

Such a choice cannot be justified by any logic I know of. Integration cannot be reduced to derivation that I know of.

Answer 8

You can do that, and they do, as part of function theory (inverses).

Answer 9

¯\(°_o)/¯ Okay thanks guys.

Answer 10

You're quite welcome.

Answer 11

Anytime.