SOLUTION: When adding a neg and a positive do u end up with a pos number

Algebra ->  Test -> SOLUTION: When adding a neg and a positive do u end up with a pos number      Log On


   

Question 725700: When adding a neg and a positive do u end up with a pos number
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20067) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Sometimes you do and sometimes you don't.

ADDING and SUBTRACTING in BASIC MATH is different from
ADDING and SUBTRACTING in ALGEBRA.

Sometimes to ADD in ALGEBRA, you ADD in BASIC MATH, and sometimes you
SUBTRACT in BASIC MATH.

(+7) + (+3) like signs, ADD 7+3 in BASIC MATH, get 10, keep the + sign.
Answer: +10.

(-7) + (-3) unlike signs, ADD 7+3 in BASIC MATH, get 10, keep the - sign.
Answer: -10,

(+7) + (-3) unlike signs, SUBTRACT 7-3 in BASIC MATH, get 4, 7 is larger than 3, so use the sign of 7 which is +
Answer: +4

(-7) + (+3) unlike signs, SUBTRACT 7-3 in BASIC MATH, get 4, 7 is larger than 3, so use the sign of 7 which is -
Answer: -4

Edwin