Subtracting integers using a number line involves visualizing movement to the left (for subtraction) or right (potentially, when subtracting a negative). The video reference demonstrates this concept clearly. Here's a breakdown:
- Start at the first integer: Locate the first integer on the number line. This is your starting point.
- Subtracting a positive integer: Move to the left (towards the negative side) by the value of the integer you're subtracting. Each unit moved represents subtracting one.
- Subtracting a negative integer: This is equivalent to adding the positive value of that integer. Move to the right (towards the positive side) by the value of the integer.
For example, -2 - 7 = -9. According to the video reference, you would start at -2 on the number line and then move 7 units to the left, which would land you at -9. This means negative 2 minus 7 is negative 9.
