I want to create a formula that only applies the additive inverse for negative values because I am trying to come up with a simple formula whereby two numbers are entered and if the second is larger the difference is the result but if the second is smaller then zero is the result.
where x=200 and y=100 then result=0
where x=200 and y=300 then result=100
For reference this is part of a score calculator for a game and I could just inspect with an IF but my pride will not let me mostly because I would like to be able to express the whole system in terms of a single mathematical expression.
Update:
While writing this question I came up with a possible answer.
My thinking has led me towards the use of squares. Something like:
$$ \frac{(y-x)+\sqrt{(y-x)^2}}{2} $$
Is this the best solution for this problem or have I made things too complicated for no reason?
I would suggest $\max\{y-x,0\}$. The idea is that $y-x\geq 0$ if and only if $y\geq x$, so either it gives you $y-x$ in the situation you want, or it simply returns $0$.