Addition of integers using a number line

Example 1: $+3 + (+4) =$

Steps:

1. Draw a number line. Draw a number line and then indicate the negative integers, positive integers and zero. Make sure you have indicated enough integers for you to locate the answer.

2. Move 3 steps right. Starting from 0, use an arrow to show 3 steps to the right (positive side). You will reach at +3.

3. Move 4 more steps right. Starting from +3, use another arrow to show 4 steps to the right (positive side). You will reach at +7.

4. Count the total steps. Count the steps from zero to the right of zero to get a total of 7 steps as shown in the following number line:

Therefore, $+3 + (+4) = 7$.

Example 2: $-6 + (-5) =$

Steps:

1. Draw a number line. Draw a number line and then indicate the negative integers, positive integers and zero on it. Make sure you have indicated enough integers for you to locate the answer.

2. Move 6 steps left. Starting from 0, use an arrow to show 6 steps to the left (negative side). You will reach at –6.

3. Move 5 more steps left. Starting at –6, use another arrow to show 5 steps to the left (negative side). You will reach at –11.

4. Count the total steps. Count steps from zero towards the left to get a total of 11 steps as shown in the following number line:

Therefore, $-6 + (-5) = -11$.