Problem 28 - Introductory Algebra for College Students

Question

Find each sum without the use of a number line. $$-6.3+5.2$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

-1.1

Step 1: Sign handling

As the first number (-6.3) is larger in absolute value than the second number (5.2), and also has a negative sign before it, the result of the addition is going to have a negative sign. This occurs because you essentially are subtracting 5.2 from 6.3.

Step 2: Summing the absolute values

Subtract the absolute value of the second number from the absolute value of the first number, as subtraction is the operation that corresponds to adding a positive number to a negative number. \[6.3 - 5.2 = 1.1\]

Step 3: Apply sign to the result

As determined in Step 1, apply the negative sign to the result from Step 2. Hence, \[-1.1\] is the result.