Question

If a < 0 and b > 0, then which of the following is true?
Select one:
a. a + b > 0
b. a + b < 0
c.
a + b = 0
d.
The relationship between a and b cannot be determined.

Answer 1

Answer:

d. The relationship between a and b cannot be determined.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given

$a < 0$

$b > 0$

Required

Which is true

To do this, we test each of the options using assumed values

$a + b > 0$

Let:

$a = -5$       $b= 1$

So:

$-5 + 1 > 0$

$-4 > 0$ --- false

$a + b < 0$

Let:

$a = -5$       $b= 7$

So:

$-5 + 7 < 0$

$2 < 0$ --- false

$a + b = 0$

Let:

$a = -5$       $b= 7$

So:

$-5 + 7 = 0$

$2 = 0$ --- false

Hence, the relationship is not specific and cannot be determined