When it comes to adding and subtracting negative numbers, there are a few key rules that can help simplify the process.
Adding Negative Numbers: When you add a negative number, you are essentially subtracting. For example, if you have 5 + (-3), you can think of it as 5 – 3, which equals 2. So, the rule can be summarized as:
- Adding a negative number is the same as subtracting its positive counterpart.
Subtracting Negative Numbers: When you subtract a negative number, you’re actually adding. For example, if you have 4 – (-2), it becomes 4 + 2, which equals 6. In summary:
- Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding its positive counterpart.
Combining Positive and Negative Numbers: When you have a mix of positive and negative numbers, you need to follow the rules carefully. For instance, if you have 3 + (-5) + 2, you first add 3 and -5 (which equals -2), and then add 2, resulting in 0. To keep it organized, follow these steps:
- Combine like signs first: Add positive numbers together and negative numbers together.
- Then, if you have a positive result and a negative result, combine them by subtracting the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value.
Understanding these rules can make working with negative numbers much more manageable!