Question

What is said of an operator like "+" when it has several meanings depending on context?

Answer 1

Adding and subtracting numbers of different signs follow specific rules. The same applies to multiplying and dividing numbers.

Step-by-step explanation:

Addition

1. When two positive numbers add, the answer has a +ve sign, e.g., 3 + 2 = 5.
2. When two negative numbers add, the answer has a -ve sign, e.g., -4 + (-2) = -6.
3. When two numbers having opposite signs add, subtract the smaller number from the larger number, and the answer has the sign of the larger number. For example, -5 + 3 = -2.
4. In subtraction, change the sign of the subtracted number and then follow the addition rules. For example, subtract 3 from 5: 5 - (-3) = 5 + 3 = 8.

Multiplication

1. When two positive numbers multiply, the answer has a +ve sign, e.g., 2 x 3 = 6.
2. When two negative numbers multiply, the answer has a +ve sign, e.g., (-4) x (-3) = 12.
3. When the two numbers multiplied have opposite signs, the answer has a -ve sign, e.g., (-3) x 2 = -6 and 4 x (-4) = -16.
4. When a number is divided by another number, it follows multiplication rules for the sign.