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Example

Adding $1 + 4andand-1 + (-4)$

Applying the same-sign rule:

  • $1 + 4 = 5$: One positive counter combined with four more positive counters gives five positives.
  • 1+(4)=5-1 + (-4) = -5: One negative counter combined with four more negative counters gives five negatives.

In both cases the addends share the same sign, so their absolute values (1{1} and 4{4}) are added to get 5{5}, and the common sign is attached to the result.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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