Question

Explain how to find the sum 3+-8 using chips, a number line, or the rules for adding integers. Give the answer with your explanation.

Answer 1

3 = (1+1+1) (3 chips)
-8 = (1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1) (8 chips)

3 - 8 = (1+1+1) - (1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1) (3 chips - 8 chips)
= (1+1+1) - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 (distribute the negative sign)
= 1 + 1 + 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 (make sure you do this correctly lol)
= -5 (ta-da)