I need to correct the explanation that I gave earlier. There are two circumstances in algebraic addition where numbers become negative and two where they become positive. Both adding a negative and subtracting a positive is the same as plain subtraction. For example, +3 - (2) is the same a 3-2 which equals +1. +3 + (-2) also is the same as 3-2. In these instance I am only referring to the second number where there are two signs in front of it. The first number retains its sign, whether positive or negative.
In the case of same signs, the numbers in both situations become positive. For example, 3 - (-2) is the same as 3 + 2 which equals 5. the other example is 3 + (+2) is the same thing equaling 5.
If the first number is negative, then the operation must be done with that in mind. For example:
-3 - (+2) = -5
-3 + (-2) = -5
-3 + (+2) = -1
-3 - (-2) = -1. In this problem, the tow negative signs in front of the two take on the expression "add the opposite."
I hope this has been helpful.
Mrs. W
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