At the beginning of the month a store had a balance of $-\$554$. During the month the store lost another $\$600$. What is the current balance?
A) $\$1,154$
B) $-\$600$
C) $-\$1,000$
D) $-\$1.154$
Answer (1)
The store starts with a balance of − $554 .
The store loses an additional − $600 .
Calculate the current balance by adding the initial balance and the loss: − $554 + ( − $600 ) = − $1154 .
The current balance is − $1154 .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem Let's analyze the problem. The store initially has a negative balance of $554, which means it owes $554. Then, the store loses an additional $600. This means the store's debt increases by $600. To find the current balance, we need to add the initial balance and the loss.
Setting up the Calculation The initial balance is − $554 and the loss is − $600 . We need to calculate the sum of these two amounts: − $554 + ( − $600 ) .
Performing the Calculation To calculate the sum, we add the two negative numbers: − $554 − $600 = − ( $554 + $600 ) .Adding the absolute values, we get: $554 + $600 = $1154 .Therefore, the current balance is − $1154 .
Stating the Answer The current balance is − $1154 . This means the store owes $1154. The correct answer is D) − $1.154 .
Examples
Imagine you have a bank account with a starting balance. If you spend more money than you have in your account, your balance becomes negative. This is similar to the store's situation. If you start with a debt of $554 and then lose another $600, your total debt becomes $1154. Understanding how to calculate balances and debts is important for managing personal finances and making informed financial decisions.
