The idea
On a number line, values increase to the right and decrease to the left. Adding a positive number moves right; adding a negative number moves left. Subtracting a number has the same effect as adding its opposite.
Before you begin: Order integers on a number line and recognise zero.
Start at negative three and add five.
Begin at −3. Adding positive five moves five units right: three to reach zero, then two more.
Three of the steps take you to zero, leaving two steps to the right.
Subtracting negative five would produce the same movement, because its opposite is positive five.
A mistake to avoid
A negative sign can describe a number or indicate subtraction. Read the whole expression before deciding which direction to move.
Your turn.
Calculate the result using the opposite of the subtracted number.
Show the solution
Subtracting negative two is equivalent to adding positive two, so move two units right from four.