Positive/Negative Number Line Subtraction Lesson Worksheet

Lesson 1

Steps for subtracting numbers on a number line:

1. Starting point is the first number of the problem (marked with a red dot)

2. Subtracting a negative number from a positive number: move right from the starting point.

3. Subtracting a positive number from a negative number: move left from the starting point.

4. Subtracting a negative number from a negative number: move right from the starting point.

5. Subtracting a positive number from a positive number: move left from the starting point.

Problem:    

-5 - 3

Solution                     Visualize the number line carefully

Step 1:      

Solution                    Start from -5 and move 3 marks left

Step 2:      

Solution                    The number is -8

Step 3: The answer is   -8

Complete     

                                                            Try two practice problems:  

A	3 - 5
B	-4 - (-2)

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