Use the number line to subtract -9 - (-2). Draw two arrows to show -9 - (-2).
Understand the Problem
The question is asking to subtract -2 from -9 using a number line. The user needs to draw two arrows on a number line to visually represent the subtraction operation and determine the final result.
Answer
$-7$
Answer for screen readers
-7
Steps to Solve
- Rewrite the subtraction as addition
Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number. Therefore, $-9 - (-2)$ can be rewritten as $-9 + 2$.
- Draw the first arrow
Start at zero and draw an arrow to -9. This represents the first term in the expression.
- Draw the second arrow
Since we are adding 2, we need to move 2 units to the right from -9. This means the second arrow starts at -9 and ends at -7.
- Determine the final result
The final position on the number line after drawing both arrows is -7. Therefore, $-9 - (-2) = -7$.
-7
More Information
Subtracting a negative number is equivalent to adding the positive counterpart of that number. Visualizing this on a number line helps to understand the concept.
Tips
A common mistake is to move in the wrong direction on the number line. When subtracting a negative number, you move to the right (positive direction). Another mistake would be counting incorrectly on the number line.
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