A positive number plus by a negative number equals a subtraction operation. This concept, which may seem counterintuitive at first, is a fundamental principle in mathematics. In this article, we will explore the process of adding a positive number to a negative number and the resulting outcome.
Adding a positive number to a negative number is essentially the same as subtracting the absolute value of the positive number from the negative number. To understand this better, let’s consider an example.
Suppose we have the expression 5 + (-3). In this case, we are adding a positive number (5) to a negative number (-3). To solve this, we can think of it as subtracting the absolute value of the positive number (5) from the negative number (-3). So, -3 – 5 equals -8. Therefore, 5 + (-3) equals -8.
This concept can be extended to any positive and negative numbers. The rule is simple: when adding a positive number to a negative number, subtract the absolute value of the positive number from the negative number. The result will always be a negative number.
For instance, let’s consider the expression 8 + (-7). To solve this, we subtract the absolute value of the positive number (8) from the negative number (-7). So, -7 – 8 equals -15. Therefore, 8 + (-7) equals -15.
In summary, adding a positive number to a negative number equals subtracting the absolute value of the positive number from the negative number. This principle is a crucial part of understanding basic arithmetic operations and is essential for success in mathematics. By mastering this concept, students can confidently solve a wide range of problems involving positive and negative numbers.
