Question

compute.
-5.39 - 13.4 =
32.7 + (-51.82) =

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate \(-5.39 - 13.4\)

Subtracting a number is the same as adding its opposite. So \(-5.39 - 13.4 = -5.39 + (-13.4)\). When adding two negative numbers, we add their absolute values and keep the negative sign. The absolute value of \(-5.39\) is \(5.39\) and the absolute value of \(-13.4\) is \(13.4\). Adding these absolute values: \(5.39 + 13.4 = 18.79\). So \(-5.39 - 13.4 = -18.79\).

Step2: Calculate \(32.7+(-51.82)\)

Adding a negative number is the same as subtracting its absolute value. So \(32.7+(-51.82)=32.7 - 51.82\). Since \(51.82>32.7\), the result will be negative. We subtract \(32.7\) from \(51.82\): \(51.82 - 32.7 = 19.12\). So \(32.7+(-51.82)=-19.12\).

Answer:

\(-5.39 - 13.4=\boxed{-18.79}\)
\(32.7+(-51.82)=\boxed{-19.12}\)