The take-away model of subtraction is applicable when the signs of the two numbers are identical, as no neutral pairs need to be introduced.

• For $7 - 4$, start with $7$ positive counters. Taking away $4$ positive counters leaves $3$ positive counters, showing that $7 - 4 = 3$.
• For $-7 - (-4)$, start with $7$ negative counters. Taking away $4$ negative counters leaves $3$ negative counters, showing that $-7 - (-4) = -3$. These examples provide additional reinforcement that removing counters of the same color from a larger collection straightforwardly aligns with the standard arithmetic rules for numbers with identical signs.