How do you set up a number line to represent positive and negative numbers?

You can create a vertical number line or a horizontal number line. A vertical line has 0 in the middle, the positive numbers are above 0, and the negative numbers are below 0. A horizontal number line has 0 in the middle with the positive numbers to the right of 0 and the negative numbers to the left of 0.

Give students the problem 5 + 7 and have them show the solution on the number line.

A number line shows that the solution to 5 + 7 is 12. Start at 5 and jump 7 units to the right, to 12.

Give students the problem –5 + (–8) and have them show the solution on the number line.

A number line shows that the solution to –5 + (–8) is –13. Start at –5 and jump 8 units to the left, to –13.

Give students the problem +3 – 7 and have them show the solution on the number line.

A number line shows that the solution to +3 – 7 is –4. Start at 3 and jump 7 units to the left, to –4.

Give students the problem –4 + (–3) and have them show the solution on the number line.

A number line shows that the solution to –4 + (–3) is –7. Start at –4 and jump 3 units to the left, to –7.

Give students the problem 4 – (–5) and have them show the solution on the number line.

A number line shows that the solution to 4 – (–5) is 9. Start at 4 and jump 5 units to the right, to 9.

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Add & Subtract with Negative Numbers

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What you will learn from this videoWhat you will learn

We’ll learn how to add with negative numbers.
We’ll also learn how to subtract with negative numbers.
And we'll see how this knowledge can use help us go scuba diving, prepare for bad weather, and go on an epic hike!

Discussion Questions
- Before Video
  How do you set up a number line to represent positive and negative numbers?ANSWER
  - You can create a vertical number line or a horizontal number line. A vertical line has 0 in the middle, the positive numbers are above 0, and the negative numbers are below 0. A horizontal number line has 0 in the middle with the positive numbers to the right of 0 and the negative numbers to the left of 0.
  Display a vertical number line. Where is the point +9 located?ANSWER
  - 9 units above 0.
  Display a vertical number line. Where is the point –12 located?ANSWER
  - 12 units below 0.
  Display a horizontal number line. Where is +6 located?ANSWER
  - 6 units to the right of 0.
  Display a horizontal number line. Where is –9 located?ANSWER
  - 9 units to the left of 0.
- After Video
  Give students the problem 5 + 7 and have them show the solution on the number line.ANSWER
  - A number line shows that the solution to 5 + 7 is 12. Start at 5 and jump 7 units to the right, to 12.
  Give students the problem –5 + (–8) and have them show the solution on the number line.ANSWER
  - A number line shows that the solution to –5 + (–8) is –13. Start at –5 and jump 8 units to the left, to –13.
  Give students the problem +3 – 7 and have them show the solution on the number line.ANSWER
  - A number line shows that the solution to +3 – 7 is –4. Start at 3 and jump 7 units to the left, to –4.
  Give students the problem –4 + (–3) and have them show the solution on the number line.ANSWER
  - A number line shows that the solution to –4 + (–3) is –7. Start at –4 and jump 3 units to the left, to –7.
  Give students the problem 4 – (–5) and have them show the solution on the number line.ANSWER
  - A number line shows that the solution to 4 – (–5) is 9. Start at 4 and jump 5 units to the right, to 9.
Vocabulary
- Negative numbers DEFINE
- Positive numbers DEFINE
- Number line DEFINE
- Integers DEFINE
- Sign DEFINE
- Operation DEFINE

Reading Material
Practice Word Problems
Practice Number Problems
Lesson Plan
Teacher Guide
Assessment
Online Quiz Game Quiz PDF Exit Ticket

Add & Subtract with Negative Numbers

Discussion Questions

Vocabulary

Reading Material

Practice Word Problems

Practice Number Problems

Lesson Plan

Teacher Guide

Assessment