Compare the subtraction problems (6 8 − 5 8 = 1 8 ) and (6 9 − 7 9 = −1 9 ). Why is the answer to the first problem positive and the answer to the second problem negative? Check all that apply. In the second problem, the first fraction is less than the second fraction. The answer to the first problem is positive because the denominator is even. The answer to the second problem is negative because the denominator is odd. If you subtract a lesser number from a greater number, the answer is positive. If you subtract a greater number from a lesser number, the answer is negative.