Solve -4+K-E on a Number Line: Finding Variable Positions

Q: Why does -E become +2 instead of -2?

Because E = -2, so -E means the opposite of E. The opposite of -2 is +2. Remember: subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number!

Q: What's the easiest way to handle double negatives?

Use the rule: $ -(-x) = +x $. When you see two negative signs together, they cancel out and become positive. So -(-2) becomes +2.

Q: How can I check if my answer is correct?

Substitute the values back into the original expression: $ -4 + 4 + 2 = 2 $. If your calculation matches one of the answer choices, you're correct!

Variable Substitution with Number Line Values

Solve according to the axis

$-4+K-E=$ ?

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Step-by-step written solution

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Understand the problem

Solve according to the axis

$-4+K-E=$ ?

Step-by-step solution

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

$K=4$

$E=-2$

Therefore:

$-4+4-(-2)=$

We recall the rule:

$-(-x)=+x$

Now we get:

$-4+4+2=$

$0+2=2$

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Reading Values: Match each variable to its position on the number line
Double Negative Rule: -(-E) becomes +E, so -(-2) = +2
Check: Verify K=4 and E=-2 give -4+4+2 = 2 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting to change sign when subtracting negative numbers
Don't calculate -4+K-E as -4+4-2 = -2! The minus sign before E means subtract negative 2, which becomes add positive 2. Always remember: subtracting a negative equals adding a positive.

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

How do I read the values from the number line?

Look at where each letter sits on the number line. The number directly below each letter is its value. For example, K sits above 4, so K = 4, and E sits above -2, so E = -2.

Why does -E become +2 instead of -2?

Because E = -2, so -E means the opposite of E. The opposite of -2 is +2. Remember: subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number!

What's the easiest way to handle double negatives?

Use the rule: $-(-x) = +x$ . When you see two negative signs together, they cancel out and become positive. So -(-2) becomes +2.

How can I check if my answer is correct?

Substitute the values back into the original expression: $-4 + 4 + 2 = 2$ . If your calculation matches one of the answer choices, you're correct!

What if I can't see the number line clearly?

Look for the pattern: each letter moves one unit to the right. Start from a clear number like 0 (at G) and count backwards or forwards to find other values.

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