Adding and Subtracting Integers

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Review the following integer rules!

Different Sign Difference

When the signs are different you must find the difference of the absolute values. Use the sign of the larger absolute value.

Same Sign Sum

When the signs are the same you must find the sum of the absolute values.

Example: -5 + -6

The signs are the same. Add the numbers and keep the sign.

-5 + -6 = -11

Example: -8 + 12

The signs are different so find the difference.

The difference between 8 and 12 is 4. Because there are more positives, the answer will be positive 4.

-8 +12 = 4

*When you are subtracting a negative, this situation deserves special attention. You will recognize that you are subtracting a negative because you will see two negatives in a row.

Example: 8 - (-7) =

Whenever you see two negatives or a minus sign followed by a negative, get rid of them both by simply writing one positive!

Change 8 - (-7) into 8 + 7

8 + 7 = 15