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Integer Number Line

Add or subtract integers and see the operation on a number line. An arrow shows the direction and distance of each move, making negative number operations visual and intuitive.

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Try an example

Answer

3 + 5 = 8

Number Line

-2-1012345678910+5start8
Start (3) Result (8)

Step-by-Step

1
Start at 3\text{Start at } 3
2
Add 5: move 5 to the right\text{Add } 5 \text{: move } 5 \text{ to the right}
3
3+5=83 + 5 = 8

Reference Guide

Adding Integers

Adding a positive number moves you to the right. Adding a negative number moves you to the left.

3+5=8(right 5)3 + 5 = 8 \quad\text{(right 5)} 3+(−5)=−2(left 5)3 + (-5) = -2 \quad\text{(left 5)}

Subtracting Integers

Subtracting a positive number moves you to the left. Subtracting a negative flips the direction, moving you to the right.

4−7=−3(left 7)4 - 7 = -3 \quad\text{(left 7)} −2−(−5)=3(right 5)-2 - (-5) = 3 \quad\text{(right 5)}

The Double-Negative Rule

Subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive. The two negatives "cancel out" and you move right instead of left.

−7−(−3)=−7+3=−4-7 - (-3) = -7 + 3 = -4

Absolute Value as Distance

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction.

∣−5∣=5∣5∣=5|{-5}| = 5 \quad |{5}| = 5

Both -5 and 5 are exactly 5 units away from zero.