Solve the Integer Equation: -2-4+6-1 Step by Step

Q: Why can't I just add all the numbers and then worry about signs?

Because the position of each sign matters! In -2-4+6-1, each sign belongs to the number that follows it. You must work left to right to get the correct result.

Q: Can I use parentheses to make this easier?

Absolutely! You can rewrite it as $ (-2) + (-4) + (+6) + (-1) $ to see each number clearly. This helps avoid confusion with the signs!

Integer Operations with Mixed Signs

$-2-4+6-1=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Let's solve according to the order of operations from left to right

00:07 We'll always solve the leftmost operation first

00:11 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$-2-4+6-1=$

Step-by-step solution

According to the order of operations, we solve the exercise from left to right:

$-2-4=-6$

$-6+6=0$

$0-1=-1$

Final Answer

$-1$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Order: Solve addition and subtraction from left to right
Technique: Combine -2-4=-6, then -6+6=0, finally 0-1=-1
Check: Verify each step: (-2)+(-4)+(+6)+(-1) = -1 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding all positive numbers and subtracting all negative numbers separately
Don't group -2-4+6-1 as (6) - (2+4+1) = -1! This ignores the order of operations and position of signs. Always work from left to right, treating each sign as part of its number.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$74+32+6+4+4=\text{?}$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add all the numbers and then worry about signs?

Because the position of each sign matters! In -2-4+6-1, each sign belongs to the number that follows it. You must work left to right to get the correct result.

What's the difference between -4 and subtracting 4?

Great question! In this expression, -4 is a negative number, while the minus sign before it means 'subtract'. So -2-4 means 'negative 2 minus negative 4', which equals -6.

How do I keep track of positive and negative numbers?

Think of it like a number line! Start at -2, move 4 more spaces left (to -6), then move 6 spaces right (to 0), and finally move 1 space left (to -1).

Can I use parentheses to make this easier?

Absolutely! You can rewrite it as $(-2) + (-4) + (+6) + (-1)$ to see each number clearly. This helps avoid confusion with the signs!

What if I got a different answer like -11 or +11?

If you got -11, you probably added all numbers as negative. If you got +11, you added their absolute values. Remember to work step by step from left to right and pay attention to each sign!

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