Using The Number Line

We can use the Number Line to help us add:

number line 5+3 = 8

5 + 3 = 8

And subtract:

number line 6-5 = 1

6 − 5 = 1

 

It is also great to help us with negative numbers:

number line -3 + 2 = -1 number line -3 - 2 = -5

−3 + 2 = −1

−3 − 2 = −5

So when we get puzzling questions like "What is −6 plus 3" we can use the number line!

More Examples:

Try It Yourself:

Drag the points, see how it all works:

What Is Next

Sometimes we get questions like

3 + (−6)

Plus and Minus together?

Read How to Add and Subtract Positive and Negative Numbers to find what to do.