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To find out how much we need to add to the number negative 3 in order to get 5, we will count the number of steps between the two numbers.
Also, we will pay attention to which direction we moved, if we moved to the right then the number is positive, if we moved to the left the number will be negative.
We will start from the number negative 3, and move to the right until we reach the number 5, with each step representing one whole number, as follows:
We discover that the number of steps is 8. Since we moved to the right, the number is positive
a is negative number.
b is negative number.
What is the sum of a+b?
The number line helps you visualize the distance and direction between -3 and 5. It shows clearly that you need to move 8 steps to the right, which means adding a positive 8.
Look at the direction you move on the number line! Moving right means the number is positive, moving left means negative. Since -3 to 5 goes right, the answer is positive.
Yes! You can think: "What do I add to -3 to get 5?" This becomes . Both methods give the same answer!
If you count left instead of right, you'll get -8 instead of 8. Always check your answer by substituting: -3 + (-8) = -11, not 5, so you know it's wrong!
The colors help identify negative numbers (red), zero (blue), and positive numbers (green). This visual coding makes it easier to see the pattern and direction of movement.
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