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Which number line models -23 - 6?

Check the final answer first, then review the worked steps.

Problem

Which number line models -23 - 6?

Answer

\(-29\)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Understand the problem: The problem asks us to find the result of subtracting 6 from -23 and to identify which number line correctly models this operation. Subtracting a positive number is equivalent to adding its negative counterpart. So, $-23 - 6$ is the same as $-23 + (-6)$.
  2. Analyze the first number line: The first number line shows an arrow starting at -23 and moving to the left (towards more negative numbers) to -29. This represents subtracting 6 from -23, as moving 6 units to the left from -23 lands on -29. The calculation is $-23 - 6 = -29$.
  3. Analyze the second number line: The second number line shows an arrow starting at -23 and moving to the right (towards less negative numbers) to -17. This represents adding 6 to -23, not subtracting 6. The calculation shown is $-23 + 6 = -17$.
  4. Perform the subtraction: To find the value of $-23 - 6$, we start at -23 on the number line and move 6 units to the left (because we are subtracting). Counting 6 units to the left from -23, we arrive at -29.
  5. Conclusion: The first number line correctly models the subtraction of 6 from -23, resulting in -29.