Using The Number Line

images/number-line.js?mode=int

We can use the Number Line to help us add:

Number line starting at 5 with an arrow jumping 3 units right to 8 (5 + 3 = 8)
5 + 3 = 8

And subtract:

Number line starting at 6 with an arrow jumping 5 units left to 1 (6 − 5 = 1)
6 − 5 = 1

Simply remember:

Add: move to the right →
Subtract: move to the left ←

It is also great to help us with negative numbers:

Number line starting at −3 with an arrow jumping 2 units right to −1 (−3 + 2 = −1)
−3 + 2 = −1
Number line starting at −3 with an arrow jumping 2 units left to −5 (−3 − 2 = −5)
−3 − 2 = −5

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

More Examples:

images/number-line-using.js?mode=ex

Try It Yourself:

Drag the points, see how it all works:

images/number-line-using.js?mode=user

What's 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.

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Number Line Scrolling Number Line How to Add and Subtract Positive and Negative Numbers