Problem 31 - Elementary Algebra

Question

Find the sums. \(21+(-4)\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Answer: The sum of the numbers 21 and -4 is 17.

Step 1: Identify the signs of the numbers

The first number is \(21\), which is positive. The second number is \((-4)\), which is negative.

Step 2: Determine if you are adding or subtracting

Since the problem involves adding a positive and a negative number, we are essentially subtracting the absolute values of the numbers. In other words, the problem can be rewritten as \(21 - 4\).

Step 3: Subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger one

In this step, we subtract the absolute value (ignoring the signs) of the smaller number from the absolute value of the larger number: \(21 - 4 = 17\).

Step 4: Determine the sign of the result

Since the larger number, \(21\), is positive, the result will also be positive. Therefore, the answer is \(+17\). So, \(21+(-4) = 17\).