Rationale
The sum of the numbers 10, 2.5, -4, -4.5, and 5 is 9.
To find the sum, we simply add all the numbers together: 10 + 2.5 + (-4) + (-4.5) + 5 = 9. This calculation confirms that the total is indeed 9.
A) 17.5
This option suggests a sum that is too high and does not account for the negative numbers in the set. Adding 10 and 2.5 gives 12.5, but subtracting 4 and 4.5 and then adding 5 results in a total of 9, not 17.5.
B) 9
This is the correct answer. Adding the numbers 10, 2.5, -4, -4.5, and 5 together yields a total of 9, confirmed by the following calculation: 10 + 2.5 - 4 - 4.5 + 5 = 9.
C) 15
This option indicates a sum that overlooks the impact of the negative numbers. When calculating, 10 + 2.5 = 12.5, but subtracting 4 and 4.5 brings the total down significantly, demonstrating that the actual sum is much lower than 15.
D) -8.5
This option suggests a negative sum, which is incorrect given the presence of larger positive numbers. The addition of 10 and 2.5 significantly outweighs the negatives, leading to a positive total of 9 rather than a negative value.
Conclusion
The process of summing the numbers 10, 2.5, -4, -4.5, and 5 results in a total of 9, demonstrating the balance between positive and negative contributions. All other options fail to accurately reflect the arithmetic involved, emphasizing the importance of careful calculation to arrive at the correct answer.
