Adding Integers Worksheets

Draw a number line first and walk a few problems together: start at −7, move left three. Then give students ten to fifteen minutes with the page. The answer key lets them correct on their own, and a quick scan shows whether the errors come from sign or from size. Keep the number line sketch handy for the first few sessions, then take it away.

Adding a negative moves left, adding a positive moves right. Students get stuck deciding the sign of the answer when the two numbers differ in sign: the number with the larger absolute value wins. When both are negative, the sum is more negative than either number alone. This sits between understanding negatives on a number line and subtracting integers, and it supports algebra work with signed terms.

Range runs from −10 to 10 for a first lesson, to −20 to 20 for most classes, and −100 to 100 for fluency. The page opens on −20 to 20. Start small until students stop counting on the number line. Use 12 problems for slow work and 30 for a timed set, with a goal like finishing in ten minutes.

Why is the second number in parentheses?

So the signs don't run together. Writing 5 + −3 is awkward to read and easy to copy wrongly. Parentheses are the usual textbook form, and students can drop them in their own working.

How do I decide the sign when the numbers differ in sign?

Ignore the signs and find which number is bigger. The answer takes that number's sign, and its size is the difference. For −9 + 4, the 9 is bigger and negative, so the answer is −5.

What does the Range setting actually limit?

It sets the largest size of the numbers on the page, plus or minus 10, 20 or 100. When both are negative, a sum can land a bit beyond that range.