The expression \( p + (-q) \) can be simplified to \( p - q \).
Given that both \( p \) and \( q \) are positive numbers, the following can be stated:
- If \( p > q \), then \( p - q > 0 \).
- If \( p < q \), then \( p - q < 0 \).
- If \( p = q \), then \( p - q = 0 \).
Thus, the sum \( p + (-q) \) (or \( p - q \)) can be either positive, negative, or zero, depending on the specific values of \( p \) and \( q \).
In summary, \( p + (-q) \) can be described as a value that is either positive, negative, or zero, depending on the relationship between \( p \) and \( q \).