Adding & Subtracting Integers

Think of it as moving on a number line

Adding a positive number moves you right; adding a negative number moves you left. Subtracting flips the direction.

When you study think of it as moving on a number line, slow down and write one example in your notebook without looking at the screen. That active step is what turns reading into learning.

Two rules that make everything easier

When you study two rules that make everything easier, slow down and write one example in your notebook without looking at the screen. That active step is what turns reading into learning.

1. 1Adding a negative is the same as subtracting a positive: 5 + (-3) = 5 - 3 = 2.
2. 2Subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive: 5 - (-3) = 5 + 3 = 8.

Why this matters

Adding & Subtracting Integers shows up constantly in use the number line and two key rules to combine positive and negative numbers. It also connects to what you will see on homework, quizzes, and the next unit in this grade.

Teachers often move fast in class. This page is here so you can pause, re-read, and practice until the idea feels familiar, not just until you have memorized a rule for one day.

Common mistakes to avoid

Rushing to the answer without writing steps. Middle-school math rewards clear work, and you catch errors earlier when steps are visible.

Mixing up similar ideas from the same topic. If two terms feel alike, make a two-column note: what is the same, what is different, and one example of each.

Key ideas from this lesson

1. Think of it as moving on a number line
2. Two rules that make everything easier
3. Adding a negative is the same as subtracting a positive: 5 + (-3) = 5 - 3 = 2.
4. Subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive: 5 - (-3) = 5 + 3 = 8.