Solve the Expression: -7-(-5)+8.5+(-13) with Mixed Operations

Q: Why does minus times minus equal plus?

Think of it as opposite directions: if negative means "backward," then the opposite of backward is forward (positive). So $ -(-5) $ means "the opposite of negative 5" which is positive 5.

Q: How do I handle adding a negative number?

Adding a negative is the same as subtracting! So $ 8.5+(-13) $ becomes $ 8.5-13 $. This makes the calculation much clearer.

Q: Should I work left to right or handle parentheses first?

Always handle parentheses first, then work left to right. First change $ -(-5) $ to $ +5 $ and $ +(-13) $ to $ -13 $, then calculate step by step.

Q: What if I get confused with all the negative signs?

Write each step clearly! First: $ -7-(-5)+8.5+(-13) $ becomes $ -7+5+8.5-13 $. Then solve one operation at a time: -7+5=-2, then -2+8.5=6.5, finally 6.5-13=-6.5.

Q: How can I check my answer?

Substitute $ -6.5 $ back... wait, that doesn't work here! Instead, double-check each step: verify $ -(-5)=+5 $, then recalculate $ -7+5+8.5-13 $ carefully.

Sign Rules with Decimal Numbers

$-7-(-5)+8.5+(-13)=\text{?}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:01 Given that there are only addition and subtraction operations - we must solve from left to right

00:04 A minus multiplied by a minus equals a plus

00:13 Whilst the addition of two minuses equals a minus

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$-7-(-5)+8.5+(-13)=\text{?}$

Step-by-step solution

Let's begin by expanding the parentheses. Make sure to pay attention to the minus and plus signs, which change accordingly:

$-(-5)=5$

$8.5+(-13)=8.5-13$

We should obtain the following:

$-7+5+8.5-13=$

Now let's solve the exercise from left to right:

$-2+8.5-13=$

$6.5-13=-6.5$

Final Answer

$-6.5$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Sign Rules: Subtracting a negative number makes it positive
Technique: Convert $-(-5)$ to $+5$ and $+(-13)$ to $-13$
Check: Work left to right: $-7+5=−2$ , then $-2+8.5=6.5$ , then $6.5-13=-6.5$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Ignoring negative signs in parentheses
Don't skip the sign change when you see $-(-5)$ = forgetting it stays $-5$ gives $-20.5$ ! The minus before parentheses changes the sign inside. Always convert $-(-5)$ to $+5$ first.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$8 + 3 \times 2 =$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does minus times minus equal plus?

Think of it as opposite directions: if negative means "backward," then the opposite of backward is forward (positive). So $-(-5)$ means "the opposite of negative 5" which is positive 5.

How do I handle adding a negative number?

Adding a negative is the same as subtracting! So $8.5+(-13)$ becomes $8.5-13$ . This makes the calculation much clearer.

Should I work left to right or handle parentheses first?

Always handle parentheses first, then work left to right. First change $-(-5)$ to $+5$ and $+(-13)$ to $-13$ , then calculate step by step.

What if I get confused with all the negative signs?

Write each step clearly! First: $-7-(-5)+8.5+(-13)$ becomes $-7+5+8.5-13$ . Then solve one operation at a time: -7+5=-2, then -2+8.5=6.5, finally 6.5-13=-6.5.

How can I check my answer?

Substitute $-6.5$ back... wait, that doesn't work here! Instead, double-check each step: verify $-(-5)=+5$ , then recalculate $-7+5+8.5-13$ carefully.

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Solve the Expression: -7-(-5)+8.5+(-13) with Mixed Operations

Sign Rules with Decimal Numbers

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

Step-by-step video solution

Step-by-step written solution

Understand the problem

Step-by-step solution

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Common Mistakes

Practice Quiz

FAQ

Why does minus times minus equal plus?

How do I handle adding a negative number?

Should I work left to right or handle parentheses first?

What if I get confused with all the negative signs?

How can I check my answer?

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

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