Question

fill in the blanks below.
(a) a car corporation produced 2000 more cars this month than last.
write a signed number to represent this months change in production.

(b) a hibernating animal lost 5 pounds.
write a signed number to represent this weight change.

Explanation:

Step1: Define positive production change

Since production increased, use positive value.
$\boldsymbol{+2000}$ or $\boldsymbol{2000}$

Step2: Define negative weight change

Since weight decreased, use negative value.
$\boldsymbol{-5}$

Answer:

a) $2000$
b) $-5$