Question

a running back carries the ball five times. Find his total yardage if the carries were 9, -2, -1, 16, 6.

Answer 1

When the word total is used it is best to try and add every thing up. Think of it like I was asking if I brought you 9 apples then you ate 2 then you ate 1, so I brought you 16 more and then I brought you 6 more. 9-2 is 7 7-1 is 6. 6 plus 16 is 22 and finally 22 plus 6 is 28. So the running backs total yards should be 28. Hope that helps

Answer 2

it is the negative numbers that mess me up. Do the 2 negatives make a positive number?

Answer 3

negatives only effect each other that way when multiplied. When adding and subtracting just think of that negative sign as a subtraction sign or alternatively.
[9 + (-2)+(-1) +16+6=28\]

Answer 4

Its usually easier for me if I just think of it as a subtraction symbol. just remember not to do that when multiplying

Answer 5

ok that makes more sense to me! thanks Hank!

Answer 6

absolutely! one last last fun way I think about positive and negative numbers which I think this problem is trying to point out: positive is like a step back and negative is a step backward! good luck with your homework