Question

The number 6 is represented with + and - tiles at right.

+++++++++
- - -
For each problem below, start with this diagram and then show how to remove the appropriate number of tiles to represent the problem given. State the final answer for each part.
a. 6-7
b. 6-(-2)
c. 6-3

Answer 1

The final answer is 3.

Let's start with the initial representation of the number 6 using the + and - tiles:

+++++++++

- - -

a. 6−7:

Remove 7 tiles from the right side:

+++++++

- -

The final answer is −1.

b. 6−(−2):

Since subtracting a negative is equivalent to adding, we add 2 tiles to the right side:

++++++++++

- - -

The final answer is 8.

c. 6−3:

Remove 3 tiles from the right side:

+++++

- -

The final answer is 3.