How Do You Add and Subtract a Bunch of Numbers with Different Signs?

Note:

Some problems require adding and subtracting a combination of positive and negative numbers. Watch this tutorial and learn how to keep everything organized so you can find the answer!

Keywords:

problem
addition
subtraction
associative property of addition
rewrite subtraction as addition
add negative numbers
positive
negative
add
subtract

Background Tutorials

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to hundredths, using concrete models or drawings and strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction; relate the strategy to a written method and explain the reasoning used.
- What are the Associative Properties of Addition and Multiplication?
  
  The associative property is one of those fundamental properties of math that make math work. You probably take this property for granted because it's so ingrained, but it's important to see how the guts of math work, so check out the tutorial and make sure you're solid on your fundamentals!
Understand p + q as the number located a distance |q| from p, in the positive or negative direction depending on whether q is positive or negative. Show that a number and its opposite have a sum of 0 (are additive inverses). Interpret sums of rational numbers by describing real-world contexts.
- How Do You Add a Negative Number to a Positive Number?
  
  How do you combine a positive and a negative number? This tutorial shows you how. You even get to see it explained with a number line!
- How Do You Add Two Negative Numbers?
  
  Adding two negative numbers together? Just add the absolute value of each number together, put a negative sign in front, and you have your answer! See how it's done in this tutorial.
Understand subtraction of rational numbers as adding the additive inverse, p - q = p + (-q). Show that the distance between two rational numbers on the number line is the absolute value of their difference, and apply this principle in real-world contexts.
- How Do You Rewrite Subtraction as Addition?
  
  Subtracting a positive is the same thing as adding a negative. Subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive. Get a closer look with this tutorial!