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Let's locate negative 5 on the number line.
Since negative 5 is less than 0, we'll move five steps to the left from zero, where each step represents one whole number as follows:
Now let's look at the operation in the exercise.
Since the operation is
And negative 2 is less than 0, we'll move two steps to the left from negative 5, where each step represents one whole number as follows:
We can see that we reached negative 7.
a is negative number.
b is negative number.
What is the sum of a+b?
The plus sign means 'add', but you're adding a negative number. Think of it as: 'add negative 2' which means move 2 steps in the negative direction (left) on the number line.
Yes! Adding a negative number gives the same result as subtracting a positive number. Both and equal -7.
Remember: Negative = Left, Positive = Right. When adding negatives, you're moving further into negative territory (leftward on the number line).
Same rule applies! Start at your positive number and move left the number of steps shown by the negative number. You might end up at zero or even in negative territory.
No! The signs are crucial. , but . Always pay attention to whether numbers are positive or negative.
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