Answer :
To find the sum of [tex]-356.1 + 258.6[/tex], we need to perform a simple arithmetic operation: adding a negative number to a positive number. This involves the following steps:
Identify the Numbers: We have two numbers, [tex]-356.1[/tex] and [tex]258.6[/tex].
Understand the Operation: Adding a negative number is the same as subtracting the positive equivalent of that number. So, instead of adding [tex]-356.1[/tex], think of it as subtracting [tex]356.1[/tex] from [tex]258.6[/tex].
Perform the Calculation:
Start by subtracting [tex]356.1[/tex] from [tex]258.6[/tex].
To do this calculation, align the decimal points:
[tex]\begin{array}{r}
-356.1 \\
+258.6
\end{array}[/tex]Subtract the numbers:
Since we can't subtract 6 from 1, we borrow 1 from the tenths place, making it 11. Now, subtract 6 from 11 to get 5.
Move to the tenths place: 5 from 5, gives 0.
Move to the hundreds place: since we borrowed 1 earlier, subtract 6 from 8 (after adding the borrowed 1), which gives 2.
The calculation gives us [tex]-97.5[/tex].
Conclusion: The sum of [tex]-356.1 + 258.6[/tex] is [tex]-97.5[/tex].
Therefore, the correct answer is option B. [tex]-97.5[/tex].