1. Assign Oxidation Numbers to Known Elements:

* H: Hydrogen has an oxidation number of +1 when bonded to nonmetals.

* O: Oxygen has an oxidation number of -2 in most compounds.

2. Set up an Equation:

Let the oxidation number of N be "x". The sum of the oxidation numbers in a neutral compound is zero.

x + 2(+1) + (-2) + (+1) = 0

3. Solve for x:

x + 2 - 2 + 1 = 0

x + 1 = 0

x = -1

Therefore, the oxidation number of N in NH₂OH is -1.