The problem presents an integer chip model representing a subtraction equation. The model shows that there were initially 5 negative chips ($-5$). Some chips were taken away, and the result is 3 negative chips ($-3$). We need to complete the subtraction equation: $-5 - \square = -3$.

1. Problem Description

The problem presents an integer chip model representing a subtraction equation. The model shows that there were initially 5 negative chips ($-5$). Some chips were taken away, and the result is 3 negative chips ($-3$). We need to complete the subtraction equation: $-5 - \square = -3$.

2. Solution Steps

First, let's determine the initial value represented by the chips. Each negative chip represents $-1$. There are 5 negative chips. So, the initial value is $5 \times (-1) = -5$.

Next, we observe that two chips are crossed out, which means they are being subtracted. Since each of these chips are negative ($-1$), we are subtracting two negative chips, which is equivalent to subtracting $-2$.

So the equation can be written as:

$-5 - (-2) = -3$

The problem asks for an integer only without parentheses. Since we are subtracting $-2$, the number in the box is $-2$.

3. Final Answer

-2