Adding Integers: Counters
Addition of integers can be modeled using counters. We will use red counters with a “+” sign for positives and
blue counters with a “−” sign for negatives.
1 + (−1) = 0
This picture shows the sum
Here we have the sum 2 + 3. (−2) + (−3). We add negatives One positive counter and one
There is a group of 2 positives and negatives. In total, there are negative counter cancel each other.
and another of 3 positives. five negatives, so the sum is −5. In other words, their sum is zero!
(−4) + 3 = −1
2 + (−2) = 0 3 + (−1) = 2
Now the negatives outweigh the
Two negatives and two Here, one “positive-negative” pair positives. Pair up three negatives
positives also cancel each is canceled (you can cross it out!). with three positives. Those cancel
other. Their sum is zero. We are left with 2 positives. out. There is still one negative left.
1. Refer to the pictures and add. Remember each “positive-negative” pair is canceled.
a. 2 + (−5) = _____ b. (−3) + 5 = _____ c. (−6) + (−3) = _____
d. 3 + (−5) = _____ e. 2 + (−4) = _____ f. (−8) + 5 = _____
2. Write addition sentences (equations) to match the pictures.
a. b. c.
d. e. f.
Sample worksheet from
www.mathmammoth.com 14 Math Mammoth Integers (Blue Series)
A note on notation
We can write an elevated minus sign to indicate a negative number: −4.
Or we can write it with a minus sign and parentheses: (−4).
We can even write it without the parentheses if the meaning is clear: −4.
So −4 + −4 = −8 is the same as (−4) + (−4) = (−8), which is the same as −4 + (−4) = −8
You should write the parentheses if you have + and −, or two − signs, next to each other.
So, do not write “8 + − 4”; write “8 + (−4).” And do not write “3 − −3”; write “3 − (−3).”
3. Think of the counters. Add.
a. 7 + (−8) = b. (−7) + (−8) = c. 5 + (−7) = d. 50 + (−20) =
(−7) + 8 = 7+8= 7 + (−5) = 10 + (−40) =
e. −2 + −4 = f. 10 + −1 = g. −8 + 2 = h. −9 + −1 =
−6 +6= −10 + −1 = −8 + −2 = 9 + −1 =
4. Rewrite these sentences using symbols, and solve the resulting sums.
a. The sum of seven positives and five negatives.
b. Add −3 and −11.
c. Positive 100 and negative 15 added together.
5. Write a sum for each situation, and solve.
a. Your checking account is overdrawn by $50. (This means your account is negative).
Then you earn $60. What is the balance in your account now?
b. Hannah owes $20 to her mom. Then, she borrows $15 more from her mom.
What is Hannah's “balance” now?
6. Consider the four expressions 2 + 6, (−2) + (−6), (−2) + 6, and 2 + (−6). Write these
expressions in order from the one with least value to the one with greatest value.
7. Find the number that is missing from the equations.
a. −3 + _______ = −7 b. −3 + _______ = 3 c. 3 + _______ = (−7)
d. ______ + (−15) = −22 e. 2 + _______ = −5 f. _______ + (−5) = 0
Sample worksheet from
www.mathmammoth.com 15 Math Mammoth Integers (Blue Series)
