Predict the result
Add negative fourteen and positive eleven.

Set up the model
The signs differ, so compare magnitudes.
Keep the sign of the larger magnitude.

Work the example
Fourteen minus eleven is three.
The larger magnitude is negative, so the sum is negative three.

Check the result
Now add negative twelve and negative six.
Take eight seconds to think before the answer appears.
[Eight-second silent pause to work; the answer remains hidden.]
The sum is negative eighteen.

Interpret the result
Two negative quantities combine their magnitudes in the negative direction.