Calculate L-E: Finding Distance Between Points on a Number Line

Q: Why does subtracting a negative become addition?

Think of it as removing a debt! If you remove a debt of $2, you gain $2. So $ -(-2) = +2 $ because removing negative 2 gives you positive 2.

Q: How do I find the distance between any two points?

Always subtract the left point from the right point on the number line. For points A and B, distance = right coordinate - left coordinate. This gives you a positive distance!

Q: Can I just count the spaces on the number line instead?

Yes! Counting is a great way to check your answer. From E (-2) to L (5), count: -2 to 0 is 2 spaces, then 0 to 5 is 5 more spaces. Total: 2 + 5 = 7 spaces.

Q: Why is the answer 7 and not -7?

Distance is always positive! We're finding how far apart the points are, not which direction to travel. Think of it like asking 'How many steps?' rather than 'Which way?'

Number Line Subtraction with Negative Numbers

According to the axis

$L-E=$

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Understand the problem

According to the axis

$L-E=$

Step-by-step solution

We will locate on the number line the letters and place accordingly:

$L=5$

$E=-2$

Therefore:

$5-(-2)=$

We recall the rule:

$-(-x)=+x$

Now we get:

$5+2=7$

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Subtracting a negative number equals adding its positive
Technique: L - E = 5 - (-2) = 5 + 2 = 7
Check: Count units from E to L: 7 units right confirms answer ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Treating subtraction of negatives as regular subtraction
Don't calculate 5 - (-2) as 5 - 2 = 3! This ignores the double negative rule and gives the wrong distance. Always remember that subtracting a negative number means adding its positive value.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

All negative numbers appear on the number line to the left of the number 0.

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does subtracting a negative become addition?

Think of it as removing a debt! If you remove a debt of $2, you gain$ 2. So $-(-2) = +2$ because removing negative 2 gives you positive 2.

How do I find the distance between any two points?

Always subtract the left point from the right point on the number line. For points A and B, distance = right coordinate - left coordinate. This gives you a positive distance!

What if both numbers are negative?

Same rule applies! For example, from -5 to -2: distance = (-2) - (-5) = -2 + 5 = 3. The double negative rule still works.

Can I just count the spaces on the number line instead?

Yes! Counting is a great way to check your answer. From E (-2) to L (5), count: -2 to 0 is 2 spaces, then 0 to 5 is 5 more spaces. Total: 2 + 5 = 7 spaces.

Why is the answer 7 and not -7?

Distance is always positive! We're finding how far apart the points are, not which direction to travel. Think of it like asking 'How many steps?' rather than 'Which way?'

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