Adding Integers using Rules

The rules for adding integers are:

1. If the signs are the same, add the absolute value of the numbers and keep the sign.
   
2. If the signs are different,
   • subtract the smaller absolute value from the greater absolute value.
   • the sign will follow the number with the greater absolute value.
   
3. Adding zero to any integer does not change its value.

The following diagrams show the integer rules for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Scroll down the page for examples, and solutions.

Integer Rules Lesson
Check out the following lesson for the integer addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Integer Rules

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

Rules for Adding Integers
Examples:
-12 + (-31), -22 + (-16), -125 + 35, 7 + (-18), 60 + (-13)
The earthquake monitor in Hockley is located at an elevation of -416m. The elevation of a monitor in Parkfield is 1,580 higher than the one in Hockley. Find the elevation of the monitor in Parkfield.
-12 + (-6) + 15 + (-2), 1 + (-3) + 2 + (-10), -8 + 2 + (-7) + 4

Adding Integers using Rules
Examples:
-5 + 3, 6 + (-3), 3 + (-6), 12 + 4, -10 + 15, -8 + (-3)

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Rules for adding integers
Examples:
5 + (-4), -3 + 5

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Rules for adding integers
Examples:
2 + 4, -2 + (-10), -2 + 4, 10 + (-12)

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The rules for adding integers

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