To analyze the sum \( p + (-q) \) where \( p \) and \( q \) are both positive numbers, we can rewrite this expression as:
\[ p - q \]
Since \( p \) is positive and \( q \) is also positive, the result \( p - q \) can be interpreted as follows:
- If \( p > q \), then \( p - q \) is positive.
- If \( p = q \), then \( p - q = 0\).
- If \( p < q \), then \( p - q \) is negative.
Thus, the sum \( p + (-q) \) can be positive, zero, or negative depending on the relationship between \( p \) and \( q \).
In summary, the sum \( p + (–q) \) could be:
- Positive if \( p > q \)
- Zero if \( p = q \)
- Negative if \( p < q \)