Subtraction of Numbers using a Number Line is completely different from the addition of Numbers using the Number Line. The Subtraction of Numbers is really easy with the help of number lines where we can just move the number of units on a number line to find the subtraction. You must be careful while doing subtraction with a number line. It is because most of the students get confused about which side to move on the number line while subtracting.
To get rid of all the confusion on the Subtraction of Numbers using Number Line, we have given different problems with images and their explanation. Just refer to the entire article and make your preparation easy. You can also get 6th Grade Math articles on our website for free of cost.
Also, check
- Expressing Numbers on the Number Line
- Addition of Integers on a Number Line
- Representing Fractions on Number Line
Rules to Subtract Numbers on a Number Line
These are the important points to remember while doing subtraction using a number line.
- Identify the large number and small numbers.
- Move from the large number to move toward the left to get the subtraction of given numbers.
(Note: the right side numbers are the greater numbers compared to the left side numbers)
How to Subtract Numbers using Number Line?
The step-by-step process is provided here to represent the subtraction of numbers on a number line.
1. Firstly, draw a straight line and label the numbers with equal intervals.
2. Note down the two numbers. Simplify the given numbers and point them on the number line.
3. Then, from the large number move towards the second number on the number line.
4. Then, find out the number where you have stopped and note down it along with the sign to know the subtraction of given numbers.
1. Subtraction of Positive Numbers on a Number Line
(i) Take two positive numbers.
(ii) Firstly, represent the two numbers on the number line.
(iii) Then, find out the large number and small number.
(iv) At last, move from the large number to a small number and note down the number of positions you moved to the left along with the sign.
Example 1: Subtract 2 from 4.
Solution: Represent the numbers 2 and 4 on the number line. 4 is the larger number and 2 is the small number. Move from 4 to 2 to find the subtraction of 2 and 4 using a number line.
Therefore, 4 – 2 = 2
Example 2: Subtract 3 from 5.
Solution: Represent the numbers 3 and 5 on the number line. 5 is the larger number and 3 is the small number. Move from 5 to 3 to find the subtraction of 3 and 5 using a number line.
Therefore, 5 – 3 = 2.
2. Subtraction of Positive & Negative Numbers on a Number Line
(i) Take one positive number and one negative number.
(ii) Firstly, evaluate the numbers and find their sign.
(iii) Then, find out the large number and mark it on the number line.
(iv) At last, move from the large number to a small number and note down the number of positions you moved to the left along with the sign.
Example 1: Subtract -3 and 5.
Solution: We know that -3 – (5) = -3 -5 = -8. -3 is a greater number. Represent the number -3 on the number line. Move 5 units left from the number -3 on the number line.
Therefore, -3 – (5) = -8.
3. Subtraction of Negative Numbers on a Number Line
(i) Take two negative numbers.
(ii) Represent them on the number line.
(iii) Then, find out the difference by calculating the distance between them on the number line.
(iv) At last, give the sign of the large number to the output of the number.
Example 1: Subtract -6 and -4.
Solution: We know that -6 – (-4) = -6 + 4 = -2. First place -4 and -6 on the number line. Then, count the units from -4 to -6 which is 2. As you moved the left side, the sign of the output is -.
Therefore, -6 – (-4) = -2.
Do Read: Addition of Numbers using Number Line
FAQs on Subtraction using Number Line
1. What is the Subtraction of numbers on the Number Line?
Subtraction of numbers on a Number Line is the counting of numbers difference on a number line to find the Subtraction between them. We move the left side on a number line to find out the Subtraction of numbers.
2. Is it possible to Subtract Fractions on a Number Line?
Yes, It is possible to Subtract Fractions on a Number Line. Also, we can perform addition on a number line.
3. How to Subtract 5-3 on a Number Line?
The subtraction on a number line will finish by moving to the left side of a number line. Here 5 – 2 can be calculated by taking 5 as the starting number and moving 3 units towards the left on a number line which gives the result as 2.
4. How to Subtract Negative Numbers Using a Number Line?
When negative numbers are subtracted with the help of a number line, we generally move towards the right-hand side. Because according to the rules of integers when a negative number is subtracted, the operation becomes reverse and turns into addition.
Let’s take an example, – 4 – (-3) = – 4 + 3 = – 1. This can be shown by starting with – 4 on the number line and moving by 3 units towards the right and landing on – 1. This shows that subtracting negative numbers is the same as the addition operation on a number line.
5. Can we do addition and subtraction on a single number line?
Yes, one can do addition and subtraction on a single number line. For example, 3 + 3 – 2 need to represent by a number line, then we first take the number 3 on the number line. After that move towards the right with 3 units as the addition takes place. Finally, move towards the left to subtract 2 from the result of 3 + 3.
Conclusion
Check out the complete article and understand the subtraction of numbers using a number line. You can also, get different concepts with detailed explanations. We have also included images to encourage the students to learn in a creative way. For better practice, use our practice sessions and try to answer all of those questions to know your preparation level.