Answer: -2.
Here’s how you solve questions like these:
First of all, you have to learn the rule on the number line.
if it’s an addition problem, go forward.
if it’s a subtraction problem, go backwards.
if the number is positive, turn to the right.
if the number is negative, turn to the left.
So pretend you’re in between a number line that goes from -10 to 10, or on 0.
< -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 >
Take the first number and look at the rule. Since 2 is positive, you start at that number and face to the right.
< -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 >
>
Next, you take the symbol in between the two numbers. Since it’s the minus sign, or a subtraction problem, you have to get ready to walk backwards But before you do that, check the last number. Since 4 is positive, you still have to face to the right and move 4 spaces backwards.
< -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 >
< < < <
If this is confusing, I’ll demonstrate it in the comments again.
