Calculate 5 + (-8)

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Integers · Foundations

Step by step

Question: work out 5 + (−8).

5 + (−8)

Adding a negative is the same as taking away.

+ (−) = −

So 5 + (−8) becomes 5 − 8.

= 5 − 8

We take away more than we have.

Start at 5.

Go down 8.

We pass 0 and land on −3.

= −3

So the answer is −3.

Answer

= −3

Try this one yourself, then check:

Work out 9 + (−11)

Show the answer

−2