Algebra 1

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0133500403
ISBN 13: 978-0-13350-040-0

Chapter 1 - Foundations for Algebra - 1-5 Adding and Subtracting Real Numbers - Practice and Problem-Solving Exercises - Page 35: 54

Answer

negative

Work Step by Step

When adding a negative number and a positive number, the sum has the sign of the addend with the larger absolute value. Since $\frac{7}{8}$ is larger than $\frac{1}{3}$, the sum of $-\frac{7}{8}$ and $\frac{1}{3}$ is negative. Mental math tells us that $\frac{7}{8}$ is larger because it is closer to 1 while $\frac{1}{3}$ is closer to 0. The fractions can also be converted to like fractions for comparison. $\frac{7}{8}\overset?{\lt\gt}\frac{1}{3}$ $\frac{7}{8}\times\frac{3}{3}\overset?{\lt\gt}\frac{1}{3}\times\frac{8}{8}$ $\frac{21}{24}\gt\frac{8}{24}$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.