Question

Describe how to find the sum p+q
using a number line if p=−19
and q=12.1
.

Answer 1

To find the sum \( p + q \) using a number line, follow these steps with \( p = -19 \) and \( q = 12.1 \):

1. **Draw a Number Line**: Start by drawing a horizontal line. Mark some evenly spaced points on it, representing integers. Make sure to include negative numbers to accommodate \( p = -19 \) and enough positive numbers to include \( q = 12.1 \).

2. **Locate \( p \)**: Find the point that represents \( p = -19 \) on the number line. Mark this point clearly.

3. **Moving Right for \( q \)**: Since \( q = 12.1 \) is a positive number, you need to move to the right from -19. The total move will be \( +12.1 \).

4. **Calculate the Move**: Start from -19 and move right. First, move 19 units to reach 0. Then from 0, move an additional 12.1 units to the right.

5. **Mark the Sum**: After moving from -19 to 0 (19 units) and then an additional 12.1 units, the end point is \( 0 + 12.1 = 12.1 \). Mark this point clearly on the number line as well.

6. **Final Result**: The point you have reached, 12.1, represents the sum \( p + q \). Therefore, \( p + q = -19 + 12.1 = -6.9 \).

Now you can clearly see the process of adding negative and positive numbers using the number line. The final answer is:
\[
p + q = -6.9
\]