what is -3 1/2 + (+5)

Question

Help me quick!

Answer 1

when you add a positive and a negative number, you subtract their absolute values and use the sign of the number having the greater absolute value

abs value(-3 1/2) + abs value(+5)=5-(3 1/2)=1 1/2

the positive number 5 has the greater absolute value so the answer is +1 1/2 or simply 1 1/2

remember, absolute value is never negative, only positive or zero

Answer 2

Hi Haley;

-3 1/2 + (+5)

The negative of 3 1/2 means that it is being subtracted.

The double positive means that it is being added.  If there are a multitude of positive signs, it would be added.  If there is more than one negative sign, that would be different.  If there is an odd number of negative signs, such as 1 (herein) or 3 or 5, that means the number must be subtracted.  If there is an even number of negative signs, such as 2, 4 or 6, that means the number must be added.

-3 1/2 + (+5)

=1 1/2

 

This is because

1 1/2 + 3 1/2

is

4  2/2

is

5

 

Answer 3

-3 1/2 + (+5) = -3 1/2 + 5 = 1 1/2

 

Jim