How to calculate total momentum before and after an equation?

[seallen]

Homework Statement

I have been working on a lab where I am doing an experiment with two carts. I have calculated the momentum of cart 1 before and after the collision, and the momentum of cart 2 before and after the collision, but then how do I get the total momentum before and after the collision?

Homework Equations

p=m*v

The Attempt at a Solution

Would total momentum be equal to (momentum before collision of cart 1)+(momentum before collision of cart 2)?

 

[Eats Dirt]

Would total momentum be equal to (momentum before collision of cart 1)+(momentum before collision of cart 2)?

Yes it would, it should also equal momentum of the carts after the collision (within error)

 

[Redbelly98]

By the way, don't forget that one of the cart's momentum will be negative if they are moving in opposite directions.