Adding Integers

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Adding Integers

(+) + (+) = positive (add the absolute values)
(-) + (-) = negative (add the absolute values)
(+) + (-) = ? (subtract the absolute values)
(-) + (+) = ? (subtract the absolute values)

Note: (+) means positive, (-) means negative, and (?) represents the sign of the greatest number in absolute value ) When adding integers of the same sign, we add their absolute values, and give the result the same sign.

Examples:
2 + 5 = 7
(-7) + (-2) = -(7 + 2) = -9
(-80) + (-34) = -(80 + 34) = -114

2) When adding integers of the opposite signs, we take their absolute values, subtract the smaller from the larger, and give the result the sign of the integer with the larger absolute value.

Example:
8 + (-3) = ?

The absolute values of 8 and -3 are 8 and 3. Subtracting the smaller from the larger gives 8 - 3 = 5, and since the larger absolute value was 8, we give the result the same sign as 8, so 8 + (-3) = 5.

Example:
8 + (-17) = ?

The absolute values of 8 and -17 are 8 and 17.
Subtracting the smaller from the larger gives 17 - 8 = 9, and since the larger absolute value was 17, we give the result the same sign as -17, so 8 + (-17) = -9.

Example:
-22 + 11 = ?

The absolute values of -22 and 11 are 22 and 11. Subtracting the smaller from the larger gives 22 - 11 = 11, and since the larger absolute value was 22, we give the result the same sign as -22, so -22 + 11 = -11.

Example:
53 + (-53) = ?

The absolute values of 53 and -53 are 53 and 53. Subtracting the smaller from the larger gives 53 - 53 =0. The sign in this case does not matter, since 0 and -0 are the same. Note that 53 and -53 are opposite integers. All opposite integers have this property that their sum is equal to zero. Two integers that add up to zero are also called additive inverses.

To find more information on adding intergers click here.

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