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The plus sign (+) and the minus sign (−) are mathematical symbols used to denote positive and negative functions, respectively. In addition, + represents the operation of addition , which results in a sum , while − represents subtraction , resulting in a difference . [ 1 ]
plus sign: addition: 1 + 1 = 2: −: minus sign: subtraction: 2 − 1 = 1: ±: plus - minus: both plus and minus operations: 3 ± 5 = 8 or -2: ±: minus - plus: both minus and plus operations: 3 ∓ 5 = -2 or 8 * asterisk: multiplication: 2 * 3 = 6: ×: times sign: multiplication: 2 × 3 = 6: ⋅: multiplication dot: multiplication: 2 ⋅ 3 = 6 ...
- Play with It!
- Balloons and Weights
- Adding A Positive Number
- Subtracting A Positive Number
- Adding A Negative Number
- Subtracting A Negative Number
- The Rules
- A Common Sense Explanation
- A Long Example You Might Like
On the Number Line positive goes to the right and negative to the left. Try the sliders below and see what happens:
Let us think about numbers as balloons (positive) and weights (negative): This basket has balloons and weights tied to it:
Adding positive numbers is just simple addition. We can add balloons (we are adding positivevalue) the basket gets pulled upwards (positive)
Subtracting positive numbers is just simple subtraction. We can take away balloons (we are subtracting positivevalue) the basket gets pulled downwards (negative)
Now let's see what adding and subtracting negativenumbers looks like: We can add weights (we are adding negativevalues) the basket gets pulled downwards (negative) The last two examples showed us that taking away balloons (subtracting a positive) or adding weights (adding a negative) both make the basket go down. So these have the same result: 1. (...
Lastly, we can take away weights (we are subtracting negativevalues) the basket gets pulled upwards (positive) Yes indeed! Subtracting a Negative is the same as adding! Two Negatives make a Positive
It can all be put into two rules: They are "like signs" when they are like each other (in other words: the same). So, all you have to remember is:
And there is a "common sense" explanation: So, two negatives make a positive, and if that satisfies you, then you are done!
Ally's Points
Ally can be naughty or nice. So Ally's parents have said "If you are nice we will add 3 points (+3). If you are naughty, we take away 3 points (−3). When you reach 30 Points you get a toy." So when we subtract a negative, we gain points (i.e. the same as adding points). See: both "15 − (+3)" and "15 + (−3)" result in 12. So: It doesn't matter if you subtract positive points or add negative points, you still end up losing points.
$\begingroup$ +1. Whenever I discuss the cosine formula, I describe the "$\mp$" in this context as the "co-sign" of "$\pm$". Not only does this make the point of your answer to the OP's question, but it makes possible this "cheerleader" mnemonic for the angle sum/difference formulas for sine and cosine: "sine! cosine!
Indicating both positive and negative solutions: When the plus-minus symbol is used in equations or expressions, it represents both the positive and negative solutions for a given value. For example: In this case, the plus-minus symbol indicates that there are two possible values for , one positive and one negative: or .
Mar 12, 2024 · The minus symbol (-) signifies subtraction. When you're subtracting one number from another, place the minus sign between them. For instance, 6 - 3 shows that you're subtracting 3 from 6. As with the plus symbol, you can place the minus symbol in front of a number to show that it has a negative value.
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Mar 5, 2020 · Adding positive and negative numbers is simple when both numbers have the same sign. Simply find the sum of the numbers and keep the sign. For example: 3 + 2 = 5 (-4) + (-2) = -6; Find the sum of a positive and negative number by subtracting the number with the smaller value from the one with the larger value. The sign is that of the larger number.
