Adding Integers using the Number Line

Adding Integers Using a Number Line
Adding integers on a number line is a visual and intuitive way to understand how positive and negative numbers combine. Using the number line is a great way to build a conceptual understanding of integer addition, especially when you’re first learning about positive and negative numbers.

The following figures show how to add integers using the number line. Scroll down the page for more examples and solutions.

Integer Worksheets
Practice your skills with the following integer worksheets:
Printable & Online Integer Worksheets

Lessons on Integers
Integers and Integer Operations

Rules for adding integers using the number line:

1. Start at the First Number
   Locate the first integer on the number line.
   
2. Move Based on the Second Number
   

• To add a positive integer, move to the right on the number line the number of units equal to the value of the second integer.
  
• To add a negative integer, move to the left on the number line the number of units equal to the absolute value of the second integer (the number without the negative sign).
  

3. The Final Position:
   The point where you stop is the sum.
   

Adding More Than Two Integers:
You can extend this process for adding more than two integers. For each integer in the sum, move right if it’s positive and left if it’s negative. The final position will be the sum.

Adding Integers Using a Number Line
This video shows how to add integers using a number line.
Add using a number line
Example:
5 + (-7), -2 + 6, -3 + (-5), 2 + 4

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Addition / Adding Integers by Using a Number Line
Using a number line is one way to think about what we are doing when adding / subtracting integers. It provides a nice visual representation of what we are doing.
Example:
Use a number line to add the following: 2 + (-6)

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Adding Integers (using the number line)
Example:
3 + 5, 3 + (-5), -6 + 2

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Adding integers using the number line
Example:
-2 + (-4), -7 + 4, 2 + 3

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Using the Number Line to add integers
Example:
-2 + (-3), 2 + 3, -2 + 3, 2 + (-3), -10 + 12, 2 + (-8), -5 + (-3), 2 + 3

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Adding Integers using the number line and zero pairs
Example:
-5 + 3, 3 + (-6), -2 + (-4)

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