Adding Integers

Question 9 • Pre-Algebra - MA3119 A ? Distance Learning

Sean says that to add a number to –100 and still have –100 is to add zero. Candice says that she can add two numbers to –100 and still have –100. Who is correct and why?

Answer

Sean is correct because adding any numbers other than zero will result in a different number.

Candice is correct because if the two numbers total 100, then the sum will be –100.

They are both correct because adding two numbers that are opposites is equivalent to adding zero.

Neither is correct because adding any number to –100 will result in a different number.

Explanation

Sean is right that adding zero leaves –100 unchanged. Candice can also add two numbers whose sum is zero—for example, 7 and –7—so the result is still –100. Such numbers are opposites, making choice C, “They are both correct,” the right answer. Choice B is wrong because adding numbers totaling 100 gives –100 + 100 = 0.

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