Final answer:
To solve -2.317 + 4.85, align the decimal points and subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger one. The result is 2.533, which is the sum of the two numbers after performing the subtraction and aligning decimal points.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the addition problem -2.317 + 4.85, we can follow these steps:
- Line up the decimal points of both numbers so that similar place values are in the same column.
- Since we are adding a negative number to a positive number, we effectively subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value.
- Perform the subtraction: 4.85 (larger absolute value) - 2.317 (smaller absolute value).
- Add the numbers by columns, starting from the rightmost digit (the smallest place value).
- If necessary, place a 0 in any empty places to make it easier to add.
- After performing the calculation, the result is 4.85 - 2.317 = 2.533, which is the sum of the two numbers provided.
It is important to keep the decimal points aligned and to ensure that the final answer is reported with the proper number of significant figures, rounding as necessary.