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.

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.

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.

−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.
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Answer 1

To solve the expression \( 16 - 20.5 \), we perform the subtraction:

\[ 16 - 20.5 = -4.5 \]

This means the solution to the expression \( 16 - 20.5 \) is \(-4.5\).

To represent this on a horizontal number line, we would mark the points from \( -4.5 \) to \( 16 \), indicating the segment of the number line that reflects the subtraction work. A number line that includes these points, particularly showing that \( -4.5 \) is the outcome of the subtraction, would look something like this:

• A number line that ranges from a lower limit (like \( -5 \) or lower) through to \( 16 \).
• You would place a solid dot on \( 16 \) and a solid dot on \( -4.5 \).

In conclusion, the correct response is \(-4.5\).