What is 20 plus negative 24?

• A. 4
• B. -4
• C. -20
• D. 24

Answer: (B)

When you add a positive number and a negative number, think of it as taking away from the larger value. Here, you’re combining 20 with −24, so it’s like subtracting 24 from 20. Since 24 is larger in magnitude, you end up with a deficit of 4, and the sign comes from the larger magnitude, which is negative. So the result is −4.

This isn’t 4, because the overall direction is toward the negative side. It isn’t 20 or 24, because you’re not simply carrying over those full values; you’re combining a positive with a larger negative, leaving a net negative result of 4.