Solve the following expression:
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Solve the following expression:
Let's add 8 to the number line and move 12 steps to the right.
Note that our result is a positive number:
Now solve the following exercise:
a is negative number.
b is negative number.
What is the sum of a+b?
The parentheses with signs help us see the sign of each number clearly. This becomes really important when we mix positive and negative numbers in the same problem.
No difference at all! Both mean positive 8. The parentheses are just used to make the signs extra clear when we're learning about integer operations.
Start at 8 on the number line. Since you're adding a positive 12, move 12 steps to the right. You'll land on 20!
When you add two positive numbers, you're combining two quantities in the same direction. Think of it as: 8 steps forward + 12 more steps forward = 20 steps forward total.
Simply ignore the parentheses and add normally: 8 + 12 = 20. The parentheses don't change anything when both numbers are positive!
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