In this publication, we will consider what an algebraic sum is, and also give examples for a better understanding of the theoretical material.
Algebraic sum is a mathematical expression that can be represented as the sum of positive and negative terms.
a – b = a + (-b)
From this definition it follows that any difference can be replaced by a sum by changing the sign of the subtrahend to the opposite. This applies to any number of minuends and subtractions.
a – b + c – d =
examples:
- 15 – 6 = 15 + (-6)
- 27 – 13 – 19 + 5 + 40 =
27 + (-13) + (-19) + 5 + 40
The above rule also works in reverse:
a + (-b) = a – b
examples:
- 301 + (-89) + (-76) =
301 – 89 – 76 - (-35) + 57 + 62 + (-16) =
57 – 35 + 62 – 16
In the last example, after the “equal” sign, we swapped the terms to make the expression look more beautiful. According to , this result will not be affected in any way (displacement law).