Answer
To add two numbers with different signs, subtract the numbers and then copy the sign of the number with the greater absolute value.
Work Step by Step
To add two numbers with different signs, subtract the numbers and then copy the sign of the number with the greater absolute value. For example,
\begin{array}{l}\require{cancel}
-5+6
\\=
+(6-5)
\text{ (subtract the numbers)}
\\=
+(1)
\\=
1
\text{ (copy the sign of $6$)}
\\\\
5+(-8)
\\=
-(8-5)
\text{ (subtract the numbers)}
\\=
-(3)
\\=
-3
\text{ (copy the sign of $8$)}
.\end{array}
