Add.
-5.1 + (-9.7)
A)4.6
B)-4.6
C)-14.8
D)14.8

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When adding a positive number and a negative number, we subtract their absolute values and use the sign of the number with the greater absolute value. Therefore, 5.1 minus 9.7 is equal to -4.6. The sum of two numbers with opposite signs always results in a number with the sign of the larger number. In this case, -9.7 is the larger number, so the answer will have a negative sign. Subtracting 9.7 from 5.1 gives 4.6, which is negative when we include the sign of the larger number. Therefore, the answer is -4.6, or choice B.

Add. -5.1 + (-9.7)