Question

Find the sum. $$4+\left(-4 \frac{1}{2}\right)$$

Short answer

-0.5

Step-by-step solution

Write Down the Problem

Write down the problem as it is: \(4 + (-4 \frac{1}{2})\)

Simplify the Fraction

Simplify the fraction \(-4 \frac{1}{2}\) to a mixed number which results to \(-4.5\). So, the exercise becomes \(4 + (-4.5)\)

Simplify Addition of Negative Number

When you add a positive number to a negative number, you actually subtract the absolute value of the negative number from the positive number. So, the exercise becomes \(4 - 4.5\)

Carry Out the Subtraction

The subtraction \(4 - 4.5\) results to \(-0.5\)