Problem 23 - Introductory Algebra for College Students

Question

Find each sum without the use of a number line. $$12+(-8)$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The sum of \(12 + (-8)\) is 4.

Step 1: Understand the problem

Before calculating the sum, it's important to understand what \(12 + (-8)\) means. Here, we are adding a negative number to a positive number

Step 2: The rule of addition with a negative number

The general rule is that When you are adding a negative number to a positive number, it’s the same as subtraction.

Step 3: Calculate the sum

To apply this rule to the problem at hand, it becomes: \(12 - 8\), which equals 4.