To clarify the expression \( p + (-q) \):
Given that \( p \) and \( q \) are positive numbers, \( -q \) represents a negative value. Therefore, when you add \( p \) and \( -q \), you are effectively subtracting \( q \) from \( p \).
The expression can be interpreted as follows:
- \( p + (-q) = p - q \).
- Since \( p \) and \( q \) are positive, the result will depend on the relative sizes of \( p \) and \( q \):
- If \( p > q \), the result will be positive.
- If \( p < q \), the result will be negative.
In terms of distance on a number line:
- The sum \( p + (-q) \) or \( p - q \) is located at a distance \( |q| \) from \( p \), moving in the negative direction if \( q \) is being subtracted.
Thus, the correct description is:
The sum \( p + (-q) \) is the number located a distance \( |q| \) from \( p \) in the negative direction.