1. **Stating the problem:** We want to learn how to add and subtract positive and negative numbers. 2. **Important rules:** - Adding a positive number means moving to the right on the number line. - Adding a negative number means moving to the left. - Subtracting a positive number means moving to the left. - Subtracting a negative number means moving to the right. 3. **Addition examples:** - $5 + 3 = 8$ (both positive, move right) - $5 + (-3) = 5 - 3 = 2$ (adding negative is like subtracting) - $-5 + 3 = -2$ (start at -5, move right 3 steps) - $-5 + (-3) = -8$ (both negative, move left) 4. **Subtraction examples:** - $5 - 3 = 2$ (subtract positive, move left) - $5 - (-3) = 5 + 3 = 8$ (subtracting negative is like adding) - $-5 - 3 = -8$ (start at -5, move left 3 steps) - $-5 - (-3) = -5 + 3 = -2$ (subtracting negative is adding) 5. **Summary:** - Adding a negative number is the same as subtracting its positive. - Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding its positive. This helps us understand how to combine positive and negative numbers easily.