First, I need
to decide the type of problem. For 3.2 + - 1.7, the first number
is positive and the second number is negative so I am going to be
looking at the third type of problem, which is a mixed problem.
Second, I know
I am working with a mixed problem, so I need to look over at the
second column, 'What to do'.
For a mixed problem, I need to put the absolute value of the larger
number(its positive value) on top and subtract the smaller number's
absolute value (its value without a positive or negative sign) from
it. That means I will put the 3.2 on top and subtract 1.7 from it.
3.2 - 1.7 is 1.5.