Problem 17
Question
On the number line, which number is: 4 units to the left of \(3 ?\)
Step-by-Step Solution
Verified Answer
-1
1Step 1: Identify Starting Point
The starting point on the number line is number 3.
2Step 2: Move to the Left
Move 4 units to the left from number 3. When moving to the left on the number line, the value of the numbers decreases. Hence, for each step, subtract 1 from the current number.
3Step 3: Find the Final Number
After moving 4 units to the left from number 3, we reach to number -1
Key Concepts
Subtracting on the Number LineNegative NumbersBasic Arithmetic Operations
Subtracting on the Number Line
Subtracting numbers on a number line is similar to taking steps to the left or right.
Imagine standing on a number line at number 3. You want to move 4 steps to the left.
Moving to the left means subtracting, which decreases your starting number. For each step you take left, reduce the number by 1.
So, starting from 3 and moving left:
This exercise shows that subtracting on the number line simply involves multiplying the number of steps by -1 for subtraction, or just moving left.
Imagine standing on a number line at number 3. You want to move 4 steps to the left.
Moving to the left means subtracting, which decreases your starting number. For each step you take left, reduce the number by 1.
So, starting from 3 and moving left:
- Step 1: At 3, move one step left to 2
- Step 2: From 2, move another step to 1
- Step 3: From 1, step further left to 0
- Step 4: Finally, reach -1 by moving one last step
This exercise shows that subtracting on the number line simply involves multiplying the number of steps by -1 for subtraction, or just moving left.
Negative Numbers
Negative numbers are numbers less than zero. They are found on the left side of the number line.
Some facts about negative numbers include:
In our exercise, after moving 4 steps from 3, we ended at -1. We walked into the realm of negative numbers.
This is why understanding the placement and value of negative numbers is important in arithmetic.
They help us compute and understand values below zero.
Some facts about negative numbers include:
- The more you move to the left, the less value the numbers have
- Negative numbers can be tricky; they seem opposite since a larger negative is a smaller value
In our exercise, after moving 4 steps from 3, we ended at -1. We walked into the realm of negative numbers.
This is why understanding the placement and value of negative numbers is important in arithmetic.
They help us compute and understand values below zero.
Basic Arithmetic Operations
Basic arithmetic operations are the building blocks of math. They include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Subtraction is about decreasing a number, shown perfectly on a number line.
Here's a quick reminder of the main operations:
In our exercise, we used subtraction to move left on the number line.
Understanding how these basic operations work together makes solving math problems easier! With time and practice, your comfort with these concepts will increase.
Subtraction is about decreasing a number, shown perfectly on a number line.
Here's a quick reminder of the main operations:
- Addition: Increases a number by adding more to it
- Subtraction: Decreases a number by taking some away
- Multiplication: Finds the total when adding a number many times
- Division: Splits a number into equal parts
In our exercise, we used subtraction to move left on the number line.
Understanding how these basic operations work together makes solving math problems easier! With time and practice, your comfort with these concepts will increase.