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

Q: 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.

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!

Q: 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.

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

$$ 5 < -5 $$

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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