Position and distance answer different questions
−7 is farther from zero than −3, but it is the smaller number. Numerical order follows position on the number line; absolute value describes distance from zero.
Track the direction of a change
Adding a positive number moves right and adding a negative number moves left. Subtracting a negative number reverses that negative change, which explains why 5 − (−2) equals 7.
A mistake to avoid
A negative sign can belong to a number or represent subtraction between quantities. Use parentheses when needed so the expression makes clear which job the sign is doing.
Worked example
Start at −3 and add 7
Move 7 units right from −3. The first 3 reach zero and the remaining 4 reach 4, so −3 + 7 = 4. The result reflects the change in position, not a rule that a negative number always makes an answer negative.