SUBTRACTING ON A NUMBER LINE

We can subtract numbers using a number line. 

If we subtract a positive number, we have to move in the negative direction on the number line.  

If we subtract a negative number, we have to move in the positive direction on the number line.  

For example, let us consider 4 - (-3). 

Here we subtract a negative number. That is '-3'. So we have to move 3 units in the negative direction from '4' on the number line.  

In 5 - (+3), here we subtract a positive number. That is '+3'.  So we have to move 3 units in the positive direction direction from '5' on the number line.  

Practice Questions

Question 1 : 

Subtract -2 from 3 using a number line. 

Answer : 

Because we subtract a negative number -2 from 3, we have to move 2 units in the positive direction from 3 on the number line as shown in the picture below.

After having moved 2 units in the positive direction, we are in the position of 5.

Therefore,

3 - (-2)  =  5

Question 2 : 

Subtract 2 from 3 using a number line. 

Answer : 

Because we subtract a positive number 2 from 3, we have to move 2 units in the negative direction from 3 on the number line as shown in the picture below.

After having moved 2 units in the negative direction, we are in the position of 1.

Therefore,

3 - (2)  =  1

Question 3 : 

Subtract 3 from 5 using a number line. 

Answer : 

Because we subtract a positive number 3 from 5, we have to move 3 units in the negative direction from 5 on the number line as shown in the picture below.

After having moved 3 units in the negative direction, we are in the position of 2.

Therefore,

5 - (3)  =  2

Question 4 : 

Subtract 5 from -1 using a number line. 

Answer : 

Because we subtract a positive number 5 from -1, we have to move 5 units in the negative direction from -1 on the number line as shown in the picture below.

After having moved 5 units in the negative direction, we are in the position of -6.

Therefore,

-1 - (5)  =  -6

Question 5 : 

Subtract -3 from -7 using a number line. 

Answer : 

Since we subtract a negative number -3 from -7, we have to move 3 units in the positive direction from -7 on the number line as shown in the picture below.

After having moved 3 units in the positive direction, we are in the position of -4.

Therefore,

-7 - (-3)  =  -4

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