Solve 3-(-2): Subtracting Negative Numbers on a Number Line

Q: Why does subtracting a negative become addition?

Think of it as removing a debt! If you owe -2 dollars and that debt is removed, you actually gain +2 dollars. The two negative signs cancel each other out.

Q: How do I remember which direction to move on the number line?

Addition = move right, subtraction = move left. Since $ 3-(-2) $ becomes $ 3+2 $, you move right from 3.

Q: What if I have multiple negative signs?

Count the negative signs! Even number of negatives = positive, odd number = negative. In $ -(-2) $, two negatives make positive 2.

Q: Can I just ignore the parentheses?

Never ignore parentheses! They show you exactly what number you're subtracting. $ 3-(-2) $ is very different from $ 3--2 $ without parentheses.

Q: How do I check my answer without the number line?

Use the original expression: $ 3-(-2) = 3+2 = 5 $. You can also think: what number is 2 more than 3? The answer is 5!

Subtracting Negative Numbers with Number Line

$3-(-2)=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:05 Let's solve this problem.

00:08 Remember, negative times negative is always positive.

00:13 Now, open the parentheses.

00:21 The number is positive, it points right.

00:26 Moving right means going towards the positive side of the line.

00:29 So, we'll take 3 steps, then 2 more steps to the right.

00:35 And that's how we find the solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$3-(-2)=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's remember the rule:

$-(-x)=+$

We'll write the exercise in the appropriate form:

$3+(2)=$

We'll locate the number 3 on the number line, from which we'll move 2 steps to the right (since 2 is greater than zero):

We can see that we've reached the number 5.

Final Answer

$5$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Subtracting a negative equals adding the positive equivalent
Technique: Transform $3-(-2)$ into $3+2$ for easier calculation
Check: Start at 3, move 2 steps right: lands on 5 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Moving left when subtracting a negative
Don't move left from 3 when you see 3-(-2) = getting 1 instead of 5! The negative sign in front of (-2) changes direction. Always remember: subtracting a negative means adding positive, so move right on the number line.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

a is negative number.

b is negative number.

What is the sum of a+b?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does subtracting a negative become addition?

Think of it as removing a debt! If you owe -2 dollars and that debt is removed, you actually gain +2 dollars. The two negative signs cancel each other out.

How do I remember which direction to move on the number line?

Addition = move right, subtraction = move left. Since $3-(-2)$ becomes $3+2$ , you move right from 3.

What if I have multiple negative signs?

Count the negative signs! Even number of negatives = positive, odd number = negative. In $-(-2)$ , two negatives make positive 2.

Can I just ignore the parentheses?

Never ignore parentheses! They show you exactly what number you're subtracting. $3-(-2)$ is very different from $3--2$ without parentheses.

How do I check my answer without the number line?

Use the original expression: $3-(-2) = 3+2 = 5$ . You can also think: what number is 2 more than 3? The answer is 5!

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