Adding and Subtracting Rational Numbers

A rational number is any number that can be expressed as the quotient or fraction of two integers, where the denominator is not zero.

When adding two negative rational numbers, you add their absolute values and keep the negative sign. For example, -3 + -5 = -(3 + 5) = -8.

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Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding its positive counterpart. For example, a - (-b) = a + b.

To subtract fractions with different denominators, first find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then subtract the numerators.

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Adding rational numbers involves combining their values. If both numbers are positive, the result is positive; if both are negative, the result is negative.

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When adding a positive and a negative rational number, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value and keep the sign of the number with the larger absolute value.

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