In an addition problem, the numbers that are being added together are called addends. As we add negative addends together and positive addends together on the number line, we start noticing a pattern. The sum of two positive integers is always another positive integer. It’s always larger than either of the integers being added. The sum of 5 and 8 is 13. 13 is larger than 5 and 8.

In contrast, the sum of two negative integers is always another negative integer. It’s always smaller than either of the integers being added. The sum of -3 and -9 is -12. -12 is smaller than -3 and -9.

Which of these sums is larger than both 11 and 4?

A
(- 11) + (-4)

B
11 + 4

C
(- 11) + 4

D
All of the above