Math Blog

Very frequently used operation for problem solving is addition of integers. Students make mistakes while adding integers irrespective of their grade of study. Let us see how addition works.

Addition of integers:

Sum of two positive integers +3 and +4

Just add their numerical values and put positive sign. Hey! it is just adding 3 and 4 and putting + sign!.

Sum of two negative integers -2 and -3

Here also add their numerical values and put negative sign. it is just like adding 2 and 3 and putting – sign!.

Sum of a positive integer +5 and a negative integer -3

Here we find the difference of their numerical values and put the sign of the number having larger numerical value. i.e. Find the difference of 5 and 3 and put + sign

Sum of a positive integer +3 and a negative integer -7

Here we find the difference of their numerical values and put the sign of the number having larger numerical value. i.e. Find the difference of 7 and 3 and put – sign

Let us summarize the rules for addition of integers

• sum up the numerical values and put their sign, if both have the same sign

• find the difference of the numerical values and put the sign of the bigger(numerically)number, if both have different signs

Are you ready for a brief Quiz?

Find the sum of the following integers-

1. (+8) and (+12)
2. (-15) and (-8)
3. (+13) and (-5)
4. (+11) and (-16)
5. (-25) and (+23)

Answers:

1. (+20)     2.  (-23)      3.  (+8)        4.  (-5)        5.  (-2)

Hope you have enjoyed today’s topic. Have a wonderful day!