Example Problem - Adding and Subtracting Positive and Negative numbers
-6 + 2
Step 1a - What is the sign of the left term?
Negative Positive
Step 1b - What is the sign of the right term?
Negative Positive
Step 1c - Are those the same signs or different signs?
Same signs, so we will add the values Different signs, so we will subtract the values
Step 2a - Which number is bigger?
The first number, - 6 The second number, 2
That is correct.
Step 2b - Subtract the values (easier with the bigger number in front or on top). What is 6 - 2 ?
4 10
Negative Positive
Step 1b - What is the sign of the right term?
Negative Positive
Step 1c - Are those the same signs or different signs?
Same signs, so we will add the values Different signs, so we will subtract the values
Step 2a - Which number is bigger?
The first number, - 6 The second number, 2
That is correct.
Step 2b - Subtract the values (easier with the bigger number in front or on top). What is 6 - 2 ?
4 10