Question

use the number line to subtract.
$-7 - (-2)$
(a) draw two arrows to show $-7 - (-2)$.
(the number line is shown with labels from -15 to 15, and a draggable icon with the instruction drag this to show the first number.)

Explanation:

Step1: Locate first number on line

Start at $-7$ on the number line.

Step2: Rewrite subtraction as addition

$-7 - (-2) = -7 + 2$

Step3: Move right for positive addition

From $-7$, move 2 units right.

Answer:

1. First arrow: Draw from 0 to $-7$ (to show the starting number $-7$).
2. Second arrow: Draw from $-7$ to $-5$ (to show adding 2, which is the equivalent of subtracting $-2$).

The final result of $-7 - (-2)$ is $\boldsymbol{-5}$.