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To work out -3 + 5 we start at -3 on a number line and count forward 5 to get to 2

 

Number line -3 + 5

 

So   -3 + 5 = 2

 

To work out -9 + 5 we start at -9 on a number line and count forward 5 to get to -4

 

Number line -9 + 5

 

So   -9 + 5 = -4

 

Negative numbers can be a bit tricky because we don't often use them in our everyday lives. Using a number line can help us to picture what is happening when we add and subtract them.

 

Let's have a go at some questions.

 

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