What happens when you add a negative number?

Adding a negative number is mathematically equivalent to subtracting a positive number, shifting position to the left on a number line.

What happens when you subtract a negative number?

Subtracting a negative number is equivalent to adding a positive number. The double negatives cancel each other out, shifting position to the right.

Negative Numbers Addition Visualizer - Math Sandbox

Initial Value2

Operation Modifier + (-5)

Net Result -3

Variable Adjuster

Start Number (a)2

-1010

Modifier Number (b)-5

-1010

Negative Numbers Visualizer

NEG

Negative numbers represent values below zero. Adding a positive number shifts right, while subtracting a positive number or adding a negative number shifts left. Subtracting a negative number is equivalent to adding a positive number, which shifts right.

a + (-b) = a - b \quad \text{and} \quad a - (-b) = a + b

Whiteboard Solver Steps

Step 1

Start Position

Locate the initial number 2 on the number line.

\text{Position} = 2

Step 2

Add Negative Number

Adding negative -5 is equivalent to subtracting positive 5. This moves the point 5 units to the left (negative direction).

2 + (-5) = 2 - 5 = -3

Step 3

Final Equation

The final position on the number line is -3.

2 + (-5) = -3