Algebra I Recipe: Addition and Subtraction of Real Numbers

1. Add their absolute values.
2. Answer will have the like sign.
3. "Slang" – add the numbers, keep the sign.

1. Subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger one.
2. Answer will have the same sign as the larger number.
3. "Slang" – find the difference between the numbers and take the sign of the larger number for the answer.

1. Change subtraction to addition.
2. Change the number being subtracted to its opposite.
3. Go back to the addition steps.
4. "Slang" – add the opposite
5. x - y is the same as x + (-y) AND x + (-y) is the same as x - y.