Elaine use the subtraction algorithm to subtract -17 minus -3 she got the answer -14, but she does not feel confident that she is correct connect. The expression -17 minus -3 to a two color counter model explain how the two color counter model can be used to confirm whether Elaines answer is correct.

Answer 1

In a two-color counter model, we can represent positive numbers using one color (let's say red) and negative numbers using another color (let's say blue).

To represent -17 using blue counters, we would need 17 blue counters. Similarly, to represent -3 using blue counters, we would need 3 blue counters.

Now, to subtract -3 from -17, we start by having 17 blue counters arranged in a line, representing -17. Then, we remove 3 blue counters, representing the subtraction of -3.

If we count the remaining blue counters, we should have 14 blue counters left. This indicates that -17 minus -3 is indeed -14, which confirms Elaine's answer.

Therefore, by visually representing the problem using a two-color counter model, Elaine can verify her answer and gain confidence in its correctness.