You can draw this in pen or marker, if you want to use your number line over and over again.
You can also make these in pen so you can use the number line for more than one problem.
At each hashmark, write the next number up. For example, above the hash mark next to zero, write 1. You can write these in pen as well, so you can re-use the number line over and over again.
Now your number line should read from 0 to 20, going from left to right.
For example, in 5 + 3, the first number is 5 and the second number is 3.
This is where you will start counting. For example if your math problem is 5 + 3, you should put your finger on 5 on your number line.
If you start at 5, when you reach 6, you have moved 1 space.
Don’t move more spaces than the second number in your addition problem. For example, if the second number in your problem is 3, you will move 3 spaces.
For example, if your math problem was 5 + 3, you would have moved 3 spaces to the right of 5. Your finger would be on 8 on your number line. 5 + 3 = 8.
If you come up with a different answer during your check, try again to double check.
In the problem 7 - 2, 7 is the first number in the problem and 2 is the second number in the problem.
If your math problem was 7 - 2, you would start by putting your finger on 7 on your number line.
For example: if you start at 7, when you reach 6, you’ve traveled 1 space.
If the second number in your problem is 2, you should have moved your finger to the left two spaces.
For example, in the problem 7 - 2, you would have started your problem at 7 on your number line. You would have moved 2 positions to the left, ending with your finger on 5 on your number line. 7 - 2 = 5.
If you get a different result from your check, try again to see where you made a mistake.
This will be the base of your number line.
You will need to make more hashmarks on the line than for a simple addition/subtraction problem if you are working with negative numbers.
Put 1 to the right of zero and -1 to the left of zero. -2 will go to the left of -1 and so on.
Try numbering up to 20 on the right and -20 on the left.
For example, in 6 + (-2), 6 would be the first number and -2 would be the second.
In 6 + (-2) you would start by putting your finger on 6 on your number line.
For example, if the second number in your problem is -2, you should have moved your finger to the left 2 spaces.
For example, if your problem was 6 + (-2), you would have started with your finger on 6. You would have moved your finger to the left two spaces, ending on 4. 6 + (-2) = 4.
If you get an answer when you check your problem, try again to see where you made your mistake.
Remember, on your negative number line zero will be in the middle. All the negative numbers will be to the left of zero and all the positive numbers will be to the right of zero.
For example, in (-8) - (-3), the first number is -8 and the second is -3.
If your problem was (-8) - (-3), you would put your finger on -8 on your number line.
If you started on -8, you should now be on -7. You will have moved one space.
For example, if the second number in the problem is -3, you should have only moved 3 spaces on your number line.
For example, in the problem (-8) - (-3), you would have started with your finger on -8 and would have moved 3 spaces to the right, ending on -5. (-8) - (-3) = -5.
If you don’t get the same answer this time, try again to see where you made a mistake.
