Mark Set Go

I haven't actually had to subtract negatives since about the fifth grade. But, I bet a bunch of teachers have a heck of a time getting everyone's brain wrapped around equations like:

-5--2=-3

Maybe it's because some of the tricks they're taught to use for such odd problems aren't very consistent with the simple conventions they've learned up to that point. It would suck if some kids were turned off of math right then and there, when no one could offer a consistent rule for subtracting anything from anything.

So, I think a simple routine that works for all +/- operations might help some teachers, while it may also give kids an earlier concept of vectors. Here it is:

1. MARK: Mark the spot of the first number, on a numberline. (eg. -5)

2. SET: Set the direction you will go from that MARK. (eg."-" means point left, toward the negative side of the numberline)

3. GO: Go as many spaces (integers) as the second number, and there's your answer. A negative number just means go opposite the direction you had SET. (eg. -2 means move two spaces in the direction opposite from the left)

This simple mnemonic device is easy to remember, and it keeps operations and values distinct.

Try it. You'll like it. If it works for you, then please, subtract a minus on me. This is my first post.