B14 adding negative numbers

If the "original number" is -9 then the "positive number" is 9.)In summary, subtracting a positive number is the same as adding a negative number, and subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number, where the positive and negative numbers are the opposites of the original numbers. This concept is being taught in the context of using counters to add.
  • #1
karush
Gold Member
MHB
3,269
5
Find
a. Subtracting 4 is the same as adding $\boxed{(-4)}$
b. Subtracting -7 is the same as adding $\boxed{(7)}$
c. Subtracting a positive number is the same as adding a
\boxed{negative} number, where that $\boxed{?}$ is opposite of the original number
d. Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a
$\boxed{?}$ number, where that $\boxed{?}$ is opposite of the original number

ok they are trying to teach about using counters to add
but $\boxed{?}$ was kinda on of those boolean confusions
 
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  • #2
I'm not sure what "opposite of the original number" is supposed to mean! You said before that "subtracting -7 is the same as adding 7" so you do know that "
d. Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a POSITIVE number, where that POSITIVE number is the opposite of the original number. (If the "original number" is -7 then the "positive number" is 7.
 

1. How do you add negative numbers?

To add negative numbers, you can use the same method as adding positive numbers. Start by lining up the numbers vertically, with the decimal points aligned. Then, add the numbers as you normally would, but remember to keep the negative sign in front of the number.

2. What is the rule for adding negative numbers?

The rule for adding negative numbers is that when you add a positive number and a negative number, the result will have the sign of the larger number. For example, when adding -5 and 3, the result will be -2 because the absolute value of -5 is larger than the absolute value of 3.

3. Can you add more than two negative numbers at once?

Yes, you can add more than two negative numbers at once. The key is to group the numbers in pairs and add them together, then continue adding the resulting numbers until you have added all the numbers. For example, to add -3, -5, and -7, you can group -3 and -5 to get -8, then add -8 and -7 to get -15.

4. What happens when you add a positive number and a negative number with the same absolute value?

When you add a positive number and a negative number with the same absolute value, the result will always be 0. This is because when you add a number and its opposite, they cancel each other out.

5. Can you use a number line to add negative numbers?

Yes, you can use a number line to add negative numbers. Start by marking the first number on the number line, then move to the left for negative numbers and to the right for positive numbers. Then, count the number of spaces to the right or left to find the sum.

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