Question

12. Explain why is (+5) + (-7) = -2.

Answer 1

Let's use a number line to help us visualize what's going on.

Starting at 0, +5 takes us 5 units to the right.

From there, -7 moves us 7 units back to the left and we end up at -2.

So (+5) + (-7) simplifies to -2.

Take a look at the image below.