Using Number Lines to Add Two Negative Integers

A step-by-step guide to Using Number Lines to Add Two Negative Integers

Knowing the concept of positive and negative integers is essential to add the given integers on the number line.

To add two negative integers on a number line, you must follow these steps:
Step 1: Draw the number line.
Step 2: Find the first integer on the number line.
Step 3: If the second integer is negative, move over that number of spaces to the left-hand side from the location of the first integer.

Using Number Lines to Add Two Negative Integers – Example 1

Use the number line to find the sum of two negative integers.
\((-3)+(-11)=\)_?
Solution:
Step 1: Find \(-3\) on the number line.
Step 2: Move 11 units to the left-hand side of \(-3\).
Step 3: The end of the arrow is \(-14\).

Using Number Lines to Add Two Negative Integers – Example 2

Use the number line to find the sum of two negative integers.
\((-12)+(-16)=\)_?
Solution:
Step 1: Find \(-12\) on the number line.
Step 2: Move 16 units to the left-hand side of \(-12\).
Step 3: The end of the arrow is \(-28\).