Subtracting on a number line involves moving to the left. Here's a breakdown:
To subtract on a number line, you start at the number you are subtracting from (the minuend). Then, because you're subtracting, you move to the left (towards the smaller numbers) by the number you are subtracting (the subtrahend). The number you land on is the answer (the difference).
Steps for Subtraction on a Number Line
- Identify the Minuend: Find the first number in the subtraction problem (the number you are subtracting from). Locate this number on the number line. This is your starting point.
- Determine the Subtrahend: Identify the second number in the subtraction problem (the number you are subtracting). This number indicates how many units you will move.
- Move Left: Since you are subtracting, move to the left on the number line. Each unit you move represents 1. Move a number of units equivalent to the subtrahend.
- Find the Difference: The number you land on after moving to the left is the difference (the answer to the subtraction problem).
Example
Let's illustrate with the example from the reference: 5 - 2 = ?
- Start at 5: Find the number 5 on the number line.
- Subtract 2: Since we are subtracting 2, we will move 2 units to the left.
- Move Left 2 Units: Start at 5 and move 1 unit left (to 4), then another unit left (to 3).
- The Answer: We land on 3. Therefore, 5 - 2 = 3.
Visual Representation
You can visualize this movement with arrows on the number line. Draw an arrow starting at 5 and extending 2 units to the left, ending at 3.
Summary
According to the provided information, to subtract a positive number, we move towards the left-hand side of the number line. For instance, in the example 5 - 2 = 3, we start at 5 and move 2 units to the left, arriving at 3. This visually demonstrates that 5 - 2 = 3.
