Learning Targets
The equation 7 - 5 = ? is equivalent to ? + 5 = 7. The diagram illustrates the second equation.
Notice that the value of 7 + (-5) is 2.
We can solve the equation ? + 5 = 7 by adding -5 to both sides. This shows that 7 - 5 = 7 + (-5). Likewise, 3 - 5 = ? is equivalent to ? + 5 = 3.
Notice that the value of 3 + (-5) is -2.
We can solve the equations ? + 5 = 3 by adding -5 to both sides. This shows that 3 - 5 = 3 + (-5).
In general:
a - b = a + (-b)
If a - b = x, then x + b = a. We can add -b to both sides of this second equations to get that x = a + (-b).
For the equations in the second and third columns, write two more equations using the same numbers that express the same relationship in a different way. If you get stuck, consider looking at the examples in the first column.
2 + 3 = 5
3 + 2 = 5
5 - 3 = 2
5 - 2 = 3
9 + (-1) = 8
-11 + x = 7
3. Draw a number line diagram for (-8) - (-3) = ? What is the unknown number? How do you know?
Match each diagram to one of these expressions:
2. Complete each of these tables. What do you notice?