Compare Numbers: Determine the Sign Between 17 and 17+17

Q: Why does +17 equal 17 instead of being bigger?

The + sign doesn't add anything to the number - it just shows the number is positive! Think of it like writing your name with or without 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' - you're still the same person.

Q: When do I need to write the + sign?

You usually don't need to write + for positive numbers. We write it mainly to emphasize that a number is positive or when comparing with negative numbers.

Q: How can I remember that 17 = +17?

Think of the + sign as invisible on positive numbers! Just like 17 is really +17, we just don't usually write the + because positive is the 'default' for numbers.

Q: What if the problem had -17 instead?

Then you'd compare 17 and -17, which are different! Positive 17 is greater than negative 17. The negative sign actually changes the value, unlike the positive sign.

Q: Is this the same as 17 = 17?

Exactly! Writing 17 = +17 is just another way of writing 17 = 17. Both expressions show that a number equals itself.

Positive Number Comparison with Sign Notation

Fill in the corresponding sign

$17?+17$

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Step-by-step video solution

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Step-by-step written solution

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Understand the problem

Fill in the corresponding sign

$17?+17$

Step-by-step solution

Since both numbers are positive and identical, they are equal to each other:

$17=+17$

Final Answer

$=$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: A positive number equals itself regardless of sign notation
Technique: Compare 17 and +17: both represent the same value
Check: Substitute into number line: both land at same position ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Thinking +17 is greater than 17
Don't treat +17 as bigger than 17 = incorrect inequality! The + sign is just notation showing it's positive, not making it larger. Always remember that 17 and +17 represent identical values.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 5 < -5 $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does +17 equal 17 instead of being bigger?

The + sign doesn't add anything to the number - it just shows the number is positive! Think of it like writing your name with or without 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' - you're still the same person.

When do I need to write the + sign?

You usually don't need to write + for positive numbers. We write it mainly to emphasize that a number is positive or when comparing with negative numbers.

How can I remember that 17 = +17?

Think of the + sign as invisible on positive numbers! Just like 17 is really +17, we just don't usually write the + because positive is the 'default' for numbers.

What if the problem had -17 instead?

Then you'd compare 17 and -17, which are different! Positive 17 is greater than negative 17. The negative sign actually changes the value, unlike the positive sign.

Is this the same as 17 = 17?

Exactly! Writing 17 = +17 is just another way of writing 17 = 17. Both expressions show that a number equals itself.

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