Subtracting Integers

Pre-Test Active

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Michael is using a number line to evaluate the expression - 8 - 3.

After locating - 8 on the number line, which step could Michael complete to evaluate the expression?

Michael could rewrite the expression as - 8+3 and move 3 spaces to the right.

O Michael could rewrite the expression as - 8+-3 and move 3 spaces to the right.

Michael could rewrite the expression as - 8 + 3 and move 3 spaces to the left.

Michael could rewrite the expression as - 8+-3 and move 3 spaces to the left.

Michael could rewrite the expression as - 8+-3 and move 3 spaces to the left.

Step-by-step explanation:

To evaluate the expression, Michael could rewrite the expression as - 8 + (-3), because that is equivalent to - 8-3, both results in - 11.

Also, by rewriting the expression, Michael can figure out that he first need to place at the location of - 8, and then + (-3) means that has to move three units to the negative side, that is, to the left, that procedure will get him to - 11.

Therefore, the right answer is the last one. Other options just don't make sense, because some rewrite the expression as - 8+3, which is wrong, or they suggest to move to the right, which is also wrong.

Michael could rewrite the expression as - 8+-3 and move 3 spaces to the left.