What this printable includes
Calculate twelve expressions involving positive and negative integers. The page includes subtraction of negative numbers, with parentheses to make the signs clear. Answers are supplied separately so the practice can be attempted without seeing the results.
How to use the page
Use a number line or a consistent sign rule to explain each step. Adding a negative moves toward smaller values. Subtracting a negative has the same effect as adding its opposite. For example, three minus negative two becomes three plus two, giving five. Read the operation sign separately from the sign of a number.
Review and adapt
Check a result with a second representation when the signs are confusing. A number line can make the direction visible, while an inverse operation can confirm the calculation. This worksheet uses only two-term expressions and does not introduce multiplication or division of negative numbers.
Answer key in text
- 4 + (-7): -3.
- -5 + (9): 4.
- -3 + (-6): -9.
- 8 – (12): -4.
- 3 – (-2): 5.
- -4 – (-9): 5.
- 0 – (-6): 6.
- -8 + (5): -3.
- 7 + (-10): -3.
- -2 – (7): -9.
- 6 – (-4): 10.
- -11 – (-3): -8.
Printable answer page
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