College

What is the sum of [tex]$-356.1 + 258.6$[/tex]?

A. [tex]$-614.7$[/tex]
B. [tex]$-97.5$[/tex]
C. [tex]$97.5$[/tex]
D. [tex]$614.7$[/tex]

Answer :

To find the sum of [tex]\(-356.1 + 258.6\)[/tex], we can follow these simple steps:

1. Identify the Numbers: We have two numbers, [tex]\(-356.1\)[/tex] and [tex]\(258.6\)[/tex].

2. Understand the Operation: We need to add these two numbers together.

3. Perform the Addition: When adding a negative number to a positive number, you essentially subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value and give the result the sign of the number with the larger absolute value.

- The absolute value of [tex]\(-356.1\)[/tex] is 356.1.
- The absolute value of 258.6 is 258.6.

4. Determine Which Absolute Value is Larger: In this case, 356.1 is larger than 258.6, and it corresponds to the negative number.

5. Subtract the Smaller Absolute Value from the Larger One:
[tex]\[
356.1 - 258.6 = 97.5
\][/tex]

6. Apply the Correct Sign: Since the larger absolute value was from the negative number [tex]\(-356.1\)[/tex], the result will also be negative.

7. Final Answer: The sum of [tex]\(-356.1 + 258.6\)[/tex] is [tex]\(-97.5\)[/tex].

Therefore, the correct answer is [tex]\(-97.5\)[/tex].