Example

Equivalence of $8 - (-5)and \8 + 5$ Using Counters

The counter model visually confirms that subtracting a negative integer is the same as adding its positive counterpart:

  • **$8 - (-5):Startwith:** Start with{8}positive (blue) counters. To remove{5}negatives, first introduce{5}neutral pairs (each consisting of one blue and one red counter), which do not change the total value. Now remove the{5}red counters representing{-5}. The{5}blue counters from the neutral pairs remain alongside the original{8}, giving{13}positives. So \8 - (-5) = 13$.
  • **$8 + 5:Startwith:** Start with{8}positive counters and combine them with{5}more positive counters, giving{13}positives. So \8 + 5 = 13$.

Both approaches produce 13{13}, confirming that $8 - (-5) = 8 + 5$.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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