Describe how to add 15 and -16 1/2 using a number line

Answer 1

To add 15 and -16 1/2 using a number line, follow these steps:

1. Draw a number line with a clear 0 in the middle.
2. Start by representing 15 on the number line. To do this, move 15 units to the right from 0 and label the point as 15.
3. Now, add -16 1/2 to the number line. To represent a negative number, move in the opposite direction. In this case, move 16 units to the left from 0.
4. Since we also have a fraction of -1/2, continue moving 1/2 unit to the left from the point representing -16.
5. Now, label the endpoint of these movements as -16 1/2.
6. To find the sum, add the points on the number line: 15 + (-16 1/2).
7. Move 16 1/2 units to the left from the point labeled 15 on the number line.
8. Label the endpoint as the sum of 15 and -16 1/2.
9. The resulting point on the number line is -1/2. Therefore, the sum of 15 and -16 1/2 is -1/2.

So, 15 + (-16 1/2) equals -1/2, represented on the number line.