Mastering the Art of Adding Positive and Negative Numbers- A Comprehensive Guide

How do you add a positive and a negative number? This is a common question that arises in mathematics, especially when dealing with real-world scenarios. Understanding how to add these types of numbers is crucial for solving problems involving temperature changes, debt calculations, and many other applications. In this article, we will explore the steps and rules for adding positive and negative numbers to ensure you can tackle any arithmetic problem with confidence.

When adding a positive number and a negative number, it is important to remember that the result will be a number with the sign of the larger absolute value. The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, without considering its sign. Let’s take a closer look at the process:

1. Identify the signs of the numbers: Determine whether the numbers are positive or negative. For example, in the expression +5 + (-3), we have a positive number (+5) and a negative number (-3).

2. Compare the absolute values: Look at the numbers’ absolute values to determine which one is larger. In our example, the absolute value of +5 is 5, and the absolute value of -3 is 3.

3. Determine the sign of the result: The result will have the sign of the number with the larger absolute value. Since 5 is larger than 3, the result will be negative.

4. Subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value: Subtract the absolute value of the smaller number from the absolute value of the larger number. In our example, subtract 3 from 5, which gives us 2.

5. Apply the sign to the result: Since the result has the sign of the larger absolute value, the final answer is -2.

By following these steps, you can add any positive and negative numbers with ease. Here are a few more examples to illustrate the process:

– Example 1: +7 + (-4) = 3
– The absolute value of +7 is 7, and the absolute value of -4 is 4.
– The result will be positive because 7 is larger than 4.
– Subtract 4 from 7, which gives us 3.
– The final answer is 3.

– Example 2: -8 + (+2) = -6
– The absolute value of -8 is 8, and the absolute value of +2 is 2.
– The result will be negative because 8 is larger than 2.
– Subtract 2 from 8, which gives us 6.
– The final answer is -6.

In conclusion, adding a positive and a negative number involves comparing their absolute values, determining the sign of the result, and subtracting the smaller absolute value from the larger one. By following these steps, you can successfully add any combination of positive and negative numbers and become more proficient in arithmetic.