Final answer:
The basic principles of addition and subtraction involve the signs of the numbers being added or subtracted. Negative numbers have different rules when adding or subtracting compared to positive numbers. Understanding fractions involves building on our intuition and using the rules of addition and subtraction of whole numbers as a framework.
Step-by-step explanation:
- Basic Principles of Addition and Subtraction:
- When two positive numbers add, the answer has a +ve sign, e.g., 3+2 = 5.
- When two negative numbers add, the answer has −ve sign, e.g., -4 + (-2) = -6.
- 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.
- 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 = 2.
- Intuition in Figuring Out Addition and Subtraction of Fractions:
Our intuition can help us understand addition and subtraction of fractions by relying on our natural understanding of whole numbers. We can use what we know about the rules of addition and subtraction of whole numbers to guide our understanding of fractions.
For instance, adding fractions with the same denominator is similar to adding whole numbers, and subtracting fractions is similar to subtracting whole numbers. We can use our intuition to guide us in understanding these operations.