Subtracting Negative Integers on a Number Line
Subtracting negative integers on a number line is a Grade 6 math skill in Big Ideas Math Advanced 1, Chapter 11: Integers. When subtracting a negative integer, students rewrite the problem as adding the opposite (positive), then move right on the number line. This visual approach confirms the rule that subtracting a negative always results in a larger value.
Key Concepts
When subtracting a negative integer on a number line, move right (in the positive direction) by the absolute value of that negative integer: $a ( b) = a + b$.
Common Questions
How do you subtract negative integers on a number line?
Rewrite the subtraction as adding the opposite. For example, 3 - (-4) becomes 3 + 4. Start at 3 on the number line and move 4 units to the right, landing at 7. Subtracting a negative moves you to the right (increases the value).
Why does subtracting a negative equal adding a positive?
Subtracting a negative is equivalent to adding its opposite. The rule a - (-b) = a + b holds because taking away a negative quantity is the same as gaining a positive quantity.
What happens on a number line when you subtract a negative?
You always move to the right (positive direction) when subtracting a negative. Moving right means increasing in value, which is why subtracting a negative number makes the result larger.
Where is this skill taught in Big Ideas Math Advanced 1?
Subtracting negative integers on a number line is covered in Chapter 11: Integers of Big Ideas Math Advanced 1, the Grade 6 math textbook.