High School

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 :

Sure, let's solve the problem step by step. We want to find the sum of [tex]\(-356.1\)[/tex] and [tex]\(258.6\)[/tex].

1. Understanding the Problem: We have two numbers with opposite signs. The number [tex]\(-356.1\)[/tex] is negative, and [tex]\(258.6\)[/tex] is positive.

2. Combining the Numbers:
- When adding a negative number and a positive number, you effectively subtract their absolute values.
- Calculate the absolute values: The absolute value of [tex]\(-356.1\)[/tex] is [tex]\(356.1\)[/tex], and the absolute value of [tex]\(258.6\)[/tex] is [tex]\(258.6\)[/tex].

3. Subtract the Smaller Absolute Value from the Larger:
- Subtract [tex]\(258.6\)[/tex] from [tex]\(356.1\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
356.1 - 258.6 = 97.5
\][/tex]

4. Determine the Sign of the Result:
- Since [tex]\(-356.1\)[/tex] has the greater absolute value, the result will have the same sign, which is negative.

5. Final Result:
- Therefore, the sum is [tex]\(-97.5\)[/tex].

Hence, the correct answer to the question [tex]\(-356.1 + 258.6\)[/tex] is [tex]\(-97.5\)[/tex].