Final answer:
To model the sum -3.5 + 42 on a number line, start at -3.5 and move 42 units to the right. The result is 38.5.
Step-by-step explanation:
To model the sum -3.5 + 42 on a number line, we start at -3.5 and move 42 units to the right. Since the number we are adding is positive, we move to the right. The result of adding -3.5 and 42 is 38.5.