How do you evaluate #-5- ( + 8)#?

1 Answer
SCooke
Mar 4, 2018

#−5 −(+8)= -13#

Explanation:

Any addition/subtraction of values can be understood easily by using a number line. A negative value (-) is placed (for a value) or moved (for a subtraction) to the left, and a positive value (+) is placed (for a value) or moved (for an addition) to the right.

So, we start with 'placing' the "-5" five units left of zero. Then we have a positive value (8) being subtracted (-) or moving to the left some more. 8 units "left" of #-5# on the line is the value #-13#.

IF it had been #−5 + 8= # we would have moved the 8 units to the right, for a final value of #−5 + 8= +3#.

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