Example

Adding βˆ’2+(βˆ’4)-2 + (-4), βˆ’2+4-2 + 4, and 2+(βˆ’4)2 + (-4) with Counters

Using the visual counter approach provides extra practice for evaluating integer sums. When calculating βˆ’2+(βˆ’4)-2 + (-4), you combine 2 negative counters with 4 negative counters to collect a total of 6 negative counters, which equals βˆ’6-6. When evaluating βˆ’2+4-2 + 4, the 2 negative counters pair up with 2 of the positive counters to cancel out, leaving just 2 positive counters (22). Finally, when adding 2+(βˆ’4)2 + (-4), the 2 positive counters form neutral pairs with 2 of the negative counters, leaving exactly 2 negative counters remaining (βˆ’2-2).

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Updated 2026-05-01

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