Susie is trying to calculate 7−(−3). She uses the subtraction algorithm and finds that the answer is 10. She is confused about why her answer is bigger than either of her original numbers since she is subtracting. How could a number-line model be connected to the expression 7−(−3) to help Susie understand why her answer of 10 is correct?(1 point)

1 answer

A number-line model can help Susie understand why her answer of 10 is correct by visually representing the subtraction operation.

On the number line, Susie can start at the number 7 and count backwards by 3 units. When subtracting a negative number, it is equivalent to adding the absolute value of the negative number. In this case, Susie is subtracting -3, so it is the same as adding 3.

Starting at 7 on the number line, Susie can move 3 units to the right (in the positive direction) because she is adding 3. This will bring her to the number 10 on the number line.

So, using the number-line model, Susie can see that 7 - (-3) is equal to 10, which explains why her answer is bigger than either of her original numbers.