The two numbers have different signs, so we subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger: 7 - 3 = 4. The number with the greater absolute value is -7, so the result is negative: -4.
Question 2 True / False
(-4) + (-6) = -2
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: False
Both numbers are negative (same sign), so you add their absolute values (4 + 6 = 10) and keep the negative sign: (-4) + (-6) = -10, not -2. The error of getting -2 comes from subtracting the smaller from the larger, which only applies when the signs are different.
Question 3 Short Answer
Why is adding a negative number the same as subtracting a positive number?
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: Adding a negative number moves you left on the number line by the same amount that subtracting a positive would — both operations reduce the total by the same magnitude.
On the number line, addition always means movement in the direction of the number's sign. Adding +5 moves right 5 units; adding -5 moves left 5 units. Subtracting 5 also moves left 5 units. Both produce identical results, which is why a + (-b) = a - b.