Adding Negative Numbers: (-2) + (-5)
Adding negative numbers can seem tricky at first, but it's actually quite straightforward. Here's how to approach the problem of (-2) + (-5):
Understanding the Concept
Imagine a number line. Starting at zero, moving to the right represents positive numbers, while moving to the left represents negative numbers.
- (-2) means moving 2 steps to the left from zero.
- (-5) means moving 5 steps to the left from zero.
Therefore, adding (-2) + (-5) is like combining these two movements.
Calculation
- Start at zero.
- Move 2 steps to the left (representing -2).
- From there, move another 5 steps to the left (representing -5).
You'll end up at -7.
Conclusion
Therefore, (-2) + (-5) = -7.
In general, when adding two negative numbers, the result is always a negative number with a magnitude equal to the sum of the magnitudes of the two original numbers.