Question

Quick rule to decide whether to add or subtract when negatives are involved:

- If the signs are the same (both + or both −), add the absolute values and keep that sign.
- If the signs are different, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value and keep the sign of the number with the larger absolute value.
- Also remember: subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive (a − (−b) = a + b).

Apply to your example: -50 1/2 + -12.3

1. Convert the mixed number to a decimal: -50 1/2 = -50.5.
2. Both numbers are negative, so add their absolute values: 50.5 + 12.3 = 62.8.
3. Keep the negative sign: result = -62.8.

So -50 1/2 + -12.3 = -62.8.

give me three questions

Answer 1

Here are three practice problems using negatives, decimals, and mixed numbers:

1) -23 3/4 + 15.6
2) 8.25 + -12 1/2
3) -7 2/3 + -4.75

Tell me if you want answers or step-by-step solutions.