When adding two different signed numbers, you subtract the absolute values of the numbers and keep the sign of the number with the larger absolute value.
Here's a brief explanation:
- Identify the absolute values of both numbers.
- Subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger one.
- Assign the sign of the number with the larger absolute value to the result.
For example:
- If you add -5 and 3:
- The absolute values are 5 and 3.
- Subtract: 5 - 3 = 2.
- The number with the larger absolute value is -5, so the result is -2.
Thus, -5 + 3 = -2.