Example

Equivalence of 8−(−5)8 - (-5) and 8+58 + 5 Using Counters

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

  • 8−(−5)8 - (-5): Start with 8{8} positive (blue) counters. To remove 5{5} negatives, first introduce 5{5} neutral pairs (each consisting of one blue and one red counter), which do not change the total value. Now remove the 5{5} red counters representing −5{-5}. The 5{5} blue counters from the neutral pairs remain alongside the original 8{8}, giving 13{13} positives. So 8−(−5)=138 - (-5) = 13.
  • 8+58 + 5: Start with 8{8} positive counters and combine them with 5{5} more positive counters, giving 13{13} positives. So 8+5=138 + 5 = 13.

Both approaches produce 13{13}, confirming that 8−(−5)=8+58 - (-5) = 8 + 5.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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