Answer:
Equation: -5 + 12
Overall change: 7 yards
Explanation:
In the problem, it says "lost 5 yards". "Lost" is another way of saying subtraction or negative. Therefore, our starting number is -5.
The problem also says "gained 12 yards". "Gained" is another was of saying addition or positive. Therefore, our second number is positive 12.
Together, these two numbers look like this: -5 + 12. To add them, go 12 to the right of -5 if on a number line. That would be like this: -5, -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, etc until you get to 7 which should be 12 more than -5.
Therefore, the answer is 7 yards.