Solve Integer Addition: 16 + (-20) Step by Step

Q: Why does adding a negative number give a smaller result?

Adding a negative number is like taking away that amount. Think of it as moving left on a number line - you end up at a smaller number than where you started!

Q: How do I know which direction to move on the number line?

Positive numbers move right, negative numbers move left. Since -20 is negative, you move 20 steps to the left from your starting point of 16.

Q: Is 16 + (-20) the same as 16 - 20?

Yes! Adding a negative number is exactly the same as subtracting the positive version. Both $ 16 + (-20) $ and $ 16 - 20 $ equal -4.

Q: What if the negative number is bigger than the positive one?

When the negative number has a larger absolute value (like -20 vs 16), your answer will be negative. The result takes the sign of whichever number is "stronger".

Q: How can I check my answer without using a number line?

Use basic subtraction! Convert $ 16 + (-20) $ to $ 16 - 20 = -4 $. You can also check: does $ -4 + 20 = 16 $? Yes! ✓

Integer Addition with Negative Numbers

Solve the following problem:

$16+(-20)=$

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:04 Let's solve this problem.

00:07 Find the point 16 on the number line.

00:11 Remember, it's a negative number.

00:14 Move to the left on the number line for negatives.

00:19 Let's jump 20 steps left, one step at a time.

00:37 And there you have it, we found the solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve the following problem:

$16+(-20)=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's locate the number 16 on the number line, then move 20 steps to the left from it (since minus 20 is less than zero):

We can see that we have reached the number minus 4.

Final Answer

$-4$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Adding a negative number means subtracting its absolute value
Technique: Start at 16, move 20 steps left to reach -4
Check: Verify using subtraction: 16 - 20 = -4 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding the absolute values instead of subtracting
Don't calculate 16 + 20 = 36 when you see 16 + (-20)! This ignores the negative sign and gives a completely wrong answer. Always remember that adding a negative number is the same as subtracting the positive version.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

a is negative number.

b is negative number.

What is the sum of a+b?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does adding a negative number give a smaller result?

Adding a negative number is like taking away that amount. Think of it as moving left on a number line - you end up at a smaller number than where you started!

How do I know which direction to move on the number line?

Positive numbers move right, negative numbers move left. Since -20 is negative, you move 20 steps to the left from your starting point of 16.

Is 16 + (-20) the same as 16 - 20?

Yes! Adding a negative number is exactly the same as subtracting the positive version. Both $16 + (-20)$ and $16 - 20$ equal -4.

What if the negative number is bigger than the positive one?

When the negative number has a larger absolute value (like -20 vs 16), your answer will be negative. The result takes the sign of whichever number is "stronger".

How can I check my answer without using a number line?

Use basic subtraction! Convert $16 + (-20)$ to $16 - 20 = -4$ . You can also check: does $-4 + 20 = 16$ ? Yes! ✓

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Signed Numbers (Positive and Negative) questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime