The Other Side of Zero — Question 43

(Positive) – (Negative):
Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding its positive counterpart. So, this will always be positive.
For example, 5 – (-3) = 5 + 3 = 8.
(b) (Positive) + (Negative)
Solution:
(Positive) + (Negative):
This depends on the magnitudes of the numbers. If the positive number is larger, the result is positive; if the negative number is larger, the result is negative.
For example,
7 + (-4) = 3 (positive)
4 + (-7) = -3 (negative)
(c) (Negative) + (Negative)
Solution:
(Negative) + (Negative):
Adding two negative numbers always results in a negative number.
For example, -2 + (-3) = -5.
(d) (Negative) – (Negative)
Solution:
(Negative) – (Negative):
This is like adding the positive counterpart of the second number to the first negative number.
If the first negative number is larger in magnitude, the result is negative.
However, if the first negative number is smaller than the second negative number, then it is positive.
For example,
7 + (4) = 3 (positive)
4 + (-7) = -3 (negative)
(e) (Negative) – (Positive)
Solution:
(Negative) – (Positive):
This will always be negative because you’re subtracting a positive number from a negative number.
For example, -4 – 2 = -6.
(f) (Negative) + (Positive)
Solution:
(Negative) + (Positive):
Similar to (Positive) + (Negative), it depends on the magnitudes. If the positive number is larger, the result is positive; if the negative number is larger, the result is negative.
For example,
-3 + 5 = 2 (positive)
-5 + 3 = -2 (negative)