Question

Simplify? `abs(-8)+3+(-2)`

Answer 1

9

Explanation:

`abs(-8)+3+(-2)`

The absolute value function will always return a positive value. In our case, `abs(-8)=8`, and so we can say:

`8+3+(-2)`

The first two terms are pretty clear in that it's `8+3=11`. Now to adding the `-2`. When we add a negative number, it's akin to subtracting (think of it this way - a positive number is a unit of Hot and a negative number is a unit of Cold. When I have 11 Hot and I add 2 Cold, I end up with 9 Hot). And so:

`8+3+(-2)=9`

Answer 2

You calculate this by using absolute value, PEMDAS, and understanding how to add a negative value.

Explanation:

Commonly confused, the two bars that surround your eight, |-8|, relate to how far the number is from zero, or the absolute value. For example, that absolute value of 10, or |10|, is ten. For example, the absolute value of -6, or written in absolute value format |-6| is six. Basically, the two bars around the number represent that it wants you to find how far the number is away from zero.

After finding the absolute value of |-8|, which is 8, the next step is to solve the rest of the problem which is now written as 8 + 3 +(-2). Using PEMDAS, (Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction), you can see that addition is the next step in the problem. Since there are multiple addition parts of the problem you go from left to right in solving them. Now, you can do 8 + 3, which is 11.

Your math problem is now at 11 +(-2) = ?

To solve this, you need to know how to deal with "adding a negative". Reasonably, it is actually quite simple. Think of it this way, if you are adding something are you moving foward or backward on a number line? You are moving foward. If you are subtracting something, are you moving foward or backward on a number line? You are moving backward.

Since the problem reads 11 +(-2). Your increasing a negative two. Although your answer is still getting smaller you are just "adding" a negative two. Your facing towards the positive direction, ready to move foward, and the problem says to "add" a negative -2, which lowers the answer to 9. If you still do not understand, trying reading other examples of adding a negative below.

• 20 +(-5) + 15

• 7 +(-4) = 3

• 50 +(-20) = 30

All you are doing in this part is adding a negative value to the equation, which lowers your answer.

Step by step non-descriptive format:

`|-8|+3+(-2) => 8+3+(-2) => 11+(-2) => 9`

The answer, found by absolute value, PEMDAS, and "adding a negative value" is nine.