Final answer:
To simplify the expression −8.16 + 3.2, find the absolute values of both numbers, subtract the smaller from the larger, and give the result the sign of the number with the larger absolute value. The answer is −4.96.
Step-by-step explanation:
To simplify the expression −8.16 + 3.2, you need to add the two numbers, taking into consideration their signs.
The number −8.16 is negative, and 3.2 is positive.
When you add a negative number to a positive number, you essentially subtract the absolute value of the negative number from the positive number.
The calculation would be as follows:
- Identify the absolute values: | −8.16 | = 8.16 and | 3.2 | = 3.2.
- Subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger one: 8.16 - 3.2 = 4.96.
- Since the number with the larger absolute value was negative, the result will also be negative: −4.96.
So, the simplified expression is −4.96.