Negative Numbers

• What is the first step in adding or subtracting negative numbers according to the trick described?


  Imagine a number line with a bird sitting on the first number.
• What does the operation (plus or minus) indicate in the number line trick?

  It tells you which end of the number line to look at.
• If you are adding a negative number, which direction does the bird move on the number line?

  The bird moves backwards on the number line.
• In the example of 3 plus -7, where does the bird land after moving?

  The bird lands at -4.
• What is the result of the operation 3 plus -7?

  • 4
• How does the operation affect the direction the bird looks on the number line?


  A plus operation makes the bird look right, while a minus operation makes it look left.
• In the example of -2 minus -4, where does the bird start?

  The bird starts at -2.
• What is the final position of the bird after performing the operation -2 minus -4?

  The bird lands at +2.
• What is the result of the operation -2 minus -4?

  2
• What are the key steps to remember when adding and subtracting negative numbers?

  • Start at the first number on the number line.
  • The operation (plus or minus) indicates the direction to look.
  • The second number indicates how far to move and in which direction.
  • Where you land is the answer.
• How does the second number affect the movement of the bird on the number line?

  The second number tells how far to move and in which direction: positive means forward, negative means backwards.