Review and strengthen your understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with positive and negative whole numbers
Integers include all positive whole numbers, negative whole numbers, and zero. Understanding how to perform the four operations with integers is fundamental to all future mathematics.
Bank balances, temperature changes, elevation differences, and scores in games all use positive and negative numbers.
Integer operations are essential for algebra, equations, and more advanced mathematics in Year 8 and beyond.
Working with integers develops logical thinking and the ability to handle abstract concepts.
Question: Calculate -8 + 15
Solution: When adding numbers with different signs, find the difference and use the sign of the larger absolute value.
15 - 8 = 7
Since 15 is positive and larger, the answer is +7
Question: Calculate 12 - (-5)
Solution: Subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive.
12 - (-5) = 12 + 5
Answer: 17
Question: Calculate -6 × 4
Solution: Different signs give a negative result.
6 × 4 = 24
Since the signs are different: -24
Question: Calculate -36 ÷ (-9)
Solution: Same signs give a positive result.
36 ÷ 9 = 4
Since both are negative: +4
Learn from typical errors students make and discover how to avoid them!
What students often do wrong:
Students often make mistakes with double negatives, thinking that 5 - (-3) equals 2 instead of 8. They subtract instead of recognizing that subtracting a negative is the same as adding.
Correct approach: Remember the rule: subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive. So 5 - (-3) = 5 + 3 = 8.
Memory tip: Two negative signs next to each other make a positive: -- becomes +
Use a number line to visualize adding and subtracting integers. For multiplication and division, remember: same signs = positive, different signs = negative.
You've mastered the four operations with integers!
Next: Learn to order and compare negative numbers with confidence