Adding or subtracting a rational number can be represented by moving left (in the negative direction) or right (in the positive direction) on a horizontal number line.
The expression p + q represents the number located |q| units from p in the
positive or negative direction if q is positive or negative, respectively.
ADDITION
Adding a positive number indicates moving that many units to the right on a number line.
Adding a negative number indicates moving that many units to the left on a number line.
The expression p + q represents the number located |q| units from p in the positive or negative direction if q is positive or negative, respectively.
In this case, p = -5 and q = 7.
Since q is positive, -5 + 7 is 7 units from -5 in the positive direction.
This can be represented on a number line.
First, draw an arrow to represent -5.
Start at 0 and extend the arrow 5 units in the negative direction, which is to the left.
Next, draw an arrow to represent adding 7 to -5.
Start at -5 and extend the arrow 7 units in the positive direction, which is to the right.
The second arrow ends at 2. So, -5 + 7 = 2.
The expression p + q represents the number located |q| units from p in the positive or negative direction if q is positive or negative, respectively.
In this case, p = 1.75 and q = -2.5.
Since q is negative, 1.75 + (-2.5) is 2.5 units from 1.75 in the negative direction.
This can be represented on a number line.
The second arrow ends at -0.75. So, 1.75 + (-2.5) = -0.75.
SUBTRACTION
Subtracting a positive number indicates moving that many units to the left on a number line.
First, draw an arrow to represent .
Start at 0 and extend the arrow units in the positive direction, which is to the right.
Next, draw an arrow to represent subtracting from .
Start at and extend the arrow units in the negative direction, which is to the left.
The second line ends at . So, .