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How to Use a Number Line to Find the Sum

In math, a sum is the result of adding two numbers together. A number line can help your children visualize the process of adding. For example, rather than memorizing that "4 + 5 = 9," children can see how the process of moving five units from the starting point of 4 results in 9. Number lines can also show how to add negative numbers; you simply move in the opposite direction.

Instructions

- 1
  Start on the number line at the point of the first number in the expression. For example, if your expression is 5 + 9, start a "5" on the number line.
- 2
  Find which way to move on the number line based on whether you are adding a positive or negative number. If adding a positive number, move to the right. If adding a negative number, move to the left. In this example, you would move to the right because 9 is positive.
- 3
  Move the number of units indicated by the second number in the expression to find the sum. In this example, move 9 units to the right of 5 to find that 5 + 9 = 14.

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