Download Rules for combining signed numbers:

Rules for multiplying and dividing signed numbers:
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if the signs are the same, the answer is +
if the signs are different, the answer is –
Rules for combining signed numbers:
Step 1: If there are 2 signs in a row 5 + (-2) collapse them into a single sign using the rule
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if the signs are the same, make it a +
if the signs are different, make it a –
Therefore 5 + (-2) would become 5 – 2 since + and – are different signs
The 5 is understood to be positive. (The first number in a sequence doesn’t have to show
its sign if it is positive)
Once each number has one sign, combine the signed numbers using the rule
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If the signs are the same, ADD
If the signs are different, SUBTRACT
The sign of the number with the BIGGER absolute value goes on the answer.
5 – 2 = + 5 – 2 They have different signs therefore you subtract and get 3.
The 5 is larger. It is positive. Therefore the answer is +3