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Let's first solve the following equation:
Now we will locate the number 5 on the number line and move 4 steps to the left (since minus 4 is less than zero):
This brings us to the number 1.
Now let's move two steps to the left (since minus 2 is less than zero):
This leaves us on the number -1.
Therefore, the solution to the equation is:
The missing sign is:
What will be the sign of the result of the next exercise?
\( (-2)\cdot(-4)= \)
On a number line, positive numbers are to the right and negative numbers are to the left. When you add a negative number, you're moving in the negative direction, which is leftward!
They give the same result, but conceptually they're different! Adding (-4) means 'add a negative four,' while subtracting 4 means 'take away four.' Both move you 4 steps left on the number line.
Never ignore them! The parentheses show you're adding a negative number. is very different from conceptually, even though they equal the same thing.
Take it one step at a time! Start at your first number, then move left for each negative number you're adding. Don't try to do it all at once.
Look at where you end up on the number line! If you're to the left of zero, your number is less than zero. If you're to the right of zero, it's greater than zero.
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