Easy Algebra Step-by-Step

Computation with Real Numbers 23

Cultivate the habit of reviewing your

main results. Doing so will help you

catch careless mistakes.

Solution

a. −− 35 60

Step 1. Keep − 35 and add the opposite of 60.

−− 35 60

=− 35 +− 60

Step 2. The signs are the same (both negative), so use Rule 1 for addition.

=− 95

Step 3. Review the main results.

−− 35 60 =− + 35 − 60 =− 95

b. 35 − 60

Step 1. Keep 35 and add the opposite of 60.

35 − 60

=+ 35 − 60

Step 2. The signs are opposites (one positive and one negative), so use Rule

2 for addition.

=− 25

Step 3. Review the main results.

35 −= 6060 35 +− 60 =− 25

c. 60 − 35

Step 1. Keep 60 and add the opposite of 35.

60 − 35

=+ 60 − 35

Step 2. The signs are opposites (one positive and one negative), so use Rule 2

for addition.

= 25

Step 3. Review the main results.

60 −= 3535 60 +− 35 = 25