We want to see how we can model the difference: -8 - 3 + 3
The correct option is D:
"add 3 positive counters and 3 negative counters"
We know that Marcus starts with 8 negative counters, corresponding to the first term in our difference.
Now, let's study the math of our expression.
-8 - 3 + 3
Remember that we can perform the operation in any order we want, so we can write this as:
-8 + (-3 + 3)
Notice that the thing inside the parentheses is equal to zero, so we have:
- 8 + (-3 + 3) = -8
So to not change the value, we add 3 and we subtract 3.
Now if we have 8 negative counters, and we want to add 3 positive counters and not change the value, then we also need to add 3 negative counters to "cancel" the 3 positive counters we added.
Then the correct option is D.
If you want to learn more, you can read:
https://brainly.com/question/23140234