Adding Positive and Negative Numbers

In this page you will learn all the skills necessary for adding positive and negative numbers by learning the concepts.  We will show you how to add and subtract with positive and negative numbers in a way that makes sense.

Setting the Foundation - $$$

In our demonstration we are going to use two different types of money.

1. The first kind is going to be normal dollar bills like the one below.
2. The second kind is something called "debt" slips.  Think of it as money that you borrowed from a friend.  If you have a one dollar debt slip that means that you owe a fried one dollar.

Now, all we have to do it determine how many dollars we have in our bank account - or our piggy bank.

Which is Positive, Which is Negative?

1. Positive numbers (+) will be our regular dollar bills.  Remember, if a number has no sign in front of it, it is positive.
2. Negative numbers (-) will be the debt slips. 

When do we Add, when do we Subtract?

1. We will always add the first number to the bank - whether it is dollar bills or debt slips - we always put the first one in the back.  After that...
2. When we see a addition sign (+) we are going to add the next number (either dollar bills or debt slips) to our bank.
3. When we see a subtraction sign (-) we are going to remove the next number (either dollar bills or debt slips) from our bank.

*TIP:  Do not get confused between a negative sign and a subtraction sign.  A dash (-) can be used as either, but just use it once!

Adding Positive and Negative Numbers

Example #1:     5+3 = ?

Example #2:     -5+3 = ?

Example #3:     5-3 = ?

Example #4:     5+-3 = ?

Example #5:     5--3 = ?