How to Add and Subtract Signed Numbers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Addomg/Subtracting Signed Numbers

To add a positive and negative integer first ignore the signs and find the positive difference between the two integers, attatch the sign of the original with higher absolute value, to subtract negative integers simply change it into an addition problem given that two negatives make a positive, to add or subtract a string of positive and negative integers simply change the whole problem into addtion.

Adding and subtracting signed numbers can seem daunting at first, but with practice and understanding of the rules, it can become second nature. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add and subtract signed numbers:

Adding Signed Numbers:

Step 1: Determine the signs of the numbers
– If both numbers have the same sign (both positive or both negative), add their absolute values and keep the sign the same
– If the signs are different, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value, and keep the sign of the larger number

Step 2: Perform the operation
– Add or subtract the numbers according to step 1

Example: -4 + 7
Step 1: Different signs, so subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value: 7 – 4 = 3. Keep the sign of the larger number (positive).
Step 2: Perform the operation: -4 + 7 = 3.

Subtracting Signed Numbers:

Step 1: Rewrite the problem as addition
– To subtract a number, add its opposite (the number with the opposite sign)

Step 2: Follow the rules for adding signed numbers (as outlined above)

Example: 6 – (-2)
Step 1: Rewrite as addition: 6 + 2
Step 2: Add the numbers (same signs): 6 + 2 = 8

Overall, adding and subtracting signed numbers takes practice, but following the rules outlined above will help simplify the process.

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