Consider 16–20.5. What is the solution? Represent the subtraction on a horizontal number line diagram.

Question

(1 point)
Responses

−4.5

A number line ranges from negative 4 to 16 in increments of 1. A solid line with dots on both ends is drawn on the number line, ranging from negative 4.5 to 16.



negative 4.5 Image with alt text: A number line ranges from negative 4 to 16 in increments of 1. A solid line with dots on both ends is drawn on the number line, ranging from negative 4.5 to 16.

−4.5

A number line ranges from negative 21 to 15 in increments of 1. A solid line with dots on both ends is drawn on the number line, ranging from negative 20.5 to 16.



negative 4.5 Image with alt text: A number line ranges from negative 21 to 15 in increments of 1. A solid line with dots on both ends is drawn on the number line, ranging from negative 20.5 to 16.

4.5

A number line ranges from negative 4 to 16 in increments of 1. A solid line with dots on both ends is drawn on the number line, ranging from negative 4.5 to 16.



4.5 Image with alt text: A number line ranges from negative 4 to 16 in increments of 1. A solid line with dots on both ends is drawn on the number line, ranging from negative 4.5 to 16.

16

A number line ranges from negative 4 to 16 in increments of 1. A solid line with dots on both ends is drawn on the number line, ranging from negative 4.5 to 16.



16 Image with alt text: A number line ranges from negative 4 to 16 in increments of 1. A solid line with dots on both ends is drawn on the number line, ranging from negative 4.5 to 16.
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Answer 1

To solve the expression \( 16 - 20.5 \):

1. Identify the values:

   • Starting point is 16.
   • We need to subtract 20.5 from it.

2. Perform the subtraction: \[ 16 - 20.5 = -4.5 \]

Thus, the solution is \(-4.5\).

To represent this on a horizontal number line:

• Draw a horizontal line and mark key numbers on it, ranging from at least \(-5\) to \(20\) for context.
• Locate the number 16 on the line.
• To subtract \(20.5\), move left from 16 a distance of 20.5 units.
• This will take you past 0 and into the negative range, arriving at \(-4.5\).

Your number line should show the line starting from \(16\) and moving towards \(-4.5\).

Final answer: \(-4.5\)