Ukuba ngaba eli nani kuthatyathwa kulo lincinane kunelo lithatyathwayo, umahluko uyakuba linani elingekhoyo. umzekelo, 17 - 25 = ( -8 ). Singakubeka ngolu hlobo oku, ""xa kwishumi elinesixhenxe sithabatha okanye siphungula amashumi amabini anantlanu kushiyeka isibhozo."" Le yindlela abasebenza ngayo abantu abasebenza ngeethili yemali nabayibona ngayo itshintshi omelwe kukuyifumana wena mthengi xa ubhatala ngemali eninzi kuneendleko ozichithe kwimpahla leyo oyithengileyo.