To solve the expression $-5 + 1 - 2$ using a number line, let's break it down step by step.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Start at -5: We start at -5 on the number line, since the first number in the expression is -5.

2. Add 1: Now, we need to add 1. Moving to the right (positive direction) by 1 unit, we end up at -4.

3. Subtract 2: Finally, we subtract 2. This means we move to the left (negative direction) by 2 units. Moving 2 units to the left from -4 brings us to -6.

So, $-5 + 1 - 2 = -6$.

Visual Representation on a Number Line:

• Start at -5
• Move right 1 step to -4
• Move left 2 steps to -6

Thus, the final answer is $-6$.

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Would you like me to explain more about working with integers on the number line, or is there any other part you'd like to dive deeper into?

Follow-up Questions:

1. How would you solve a similar problem with a larger set of integers?
2. What happens if we start with a positive number instead of a negative one on the number line?
3. How does the addition of two negative numbers work on a number line?
4. How would you represent subtraction of integers with positive values on a number line?
5. What is the role of zero when performing operations on a number line?

Tip: When moving along the number line, always remember: moving to the right means adding (positive), and moving to the left means subtracting (negative).