Let’s solve each problem one by one. We’ll work through the math carefully, step by step.
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1) (-9) + (-19)
Adding two negative numbers: add their absolute values and keep the negative sign.
9 + 19 = 28 → so answer is
-28
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2) (-3/8) + 9/4 + (-5/8)
First, group the fractions with same denominator:
(-3/8 - 5/8) + 9/4 = (-8/8) + 9/4 = -1 + 9/4
Convert -1 to fourths: -4/4 + 9/4 = 5/4 →
5/4 or 1¼
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3) (-3.8) - 5.6
Subtracting a positive from a negative: make it more negative.
-3.8 - 5.6 = -(3.8 + 5.6) = -9.4 →
-9.4
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4) (-15) - (-16) - (-32)
Subtracting negatives becomes addition:
-15 + 16 + 32
Start: -15 + 16 = 1; then 1 + 32 = 33 →
33
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5) 1.6 + 3.0
Simple decimal addition:
1.6 + 3.0 = 4.6 →
4.6
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6) 5.7 + (-7.4) + 4.1
Group positives first: 5.7 + 4.1 = 9.8
Then: 9.8 + (-7.4) = 9.8 - 7.4 = 2.4 →
2.4
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7) 1.5 - 5.7
Subtracting larger from smaller: result is negative.
5.7 - 1.5 = 4.2 → so answer is
-4.2
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8) (-3.0) - (-5.7) - (-5.2)
Turn subtractions into additions:
-3.0 + 5.7 + 5.2
First: -3.0 + 5.7 = 2.7
Then: 2.7 + 5.2 = 7.9 →
7.9
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9) (-38) + 31
Different signs: subtract smaller absolute value from larger, keep sign of bigger.
38 - 31 = 7 → since 38 was negative, answer is
-7
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10) (-3/5) + (-4/5) + 7/5
All have denominator 5:
(-3 -4 + 7)/5 = (0)/5 = 0 →
0
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11) 8/9 - 7/4
Find common denominator — LCM of 9 and 4 is 36.
8/9 = 32/36
7/4 = 63/36
So: 32/36 - 63/36 = -31/36 →
-31/36
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12) (-8/9) - 3/2 - (-7/9)
Rewrite: -8/9 - 3/2 + 7/9
Group like terms: (-8/9 + 7/9) - 3/2 = (-1/9) - 3/2
Common denominator 18:
-1/9 = -2/18
3/2 = 27/18
So: -2/18 - 27/18 = -29/18 →
-29/18 or -1 11/18
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13) 40 + (-24)
Same as 40 - 24 = 16 →
16
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14) (-6/3) + (-8/9) + 7/3
Simplify -6/3 = -2
So: -2 + (-8/9) + 7/3
Convert all to ninths:
-2 = -18/9
7/3 = 21/9
Now: -18/9 -8/9 +21/9 = (-26 + 21)/9 = -5/9 →
-5/9
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Final Answers:
1) -28
2) 5/4
3) -9.4
4) 33
5) 4.6
6) 2.4
7) -4.2
8) 7.9
9) -7
10) 0
11) -31/36
12) -29/18
13) 16
14) -5/9
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of adding and subtracting rational numbers worksheets.
