Let's solve each of these
adding and subtracting integers word problems step by step. We'll use positive and negative integers to represent elevations, temperatures, and financial balances.
---
1. Mt. Everest vs. Dead Sea
-
Mt. Everest: 29,028 feet
above sea level → $+29,028$
-
Dead Sea: 1,312 feet
below sea level → $-1,312$
To find the
difference between two elevations:
$$
\text{Difference} = \text{Higher elevation} - \text{Lower elevation}
$$
$$
= 29,028 - (-1,312) = 29,028 + 1,312 = 30,340 \text{ feet}
$$
✔ Answer: 30,340 feet
> *Explanation:* Subtracting a negative is the same as adding. So we add the absolute values since one is above and one is below sea level.
---
2. Temperature Drop in Buffalo
- Morning temperature: $-14^\circ F$
- Temperature
dropped by $7^\circ F$ → this means we
subtract 7
$$
-14 - 7 = -21^\circ F
$$
✔ Answer: $-21^\circ F$
> *Explanation:* A drop in temperature means going lower on the number line (more negative).
---
3. Submarine Ascending
- Initial position: 800 feet
below sea level → $-800$ feet
- It
ascends 250 feet → that means it moves
up, so we
add 250
$$
-800 + 250 = -550 \text{ feet}
$$
✔ Answer: 550 feet below sea level (or $-550$ feet)
> *Explanation:* Moving up from below sea level reduces the depth (less negative).
---
4. Temperature Difference: Sahara vs. Gobi Desert
- Sahara: $136^\circ F$
- Gobi: $-50^\circ F$
To find the
difference between two temperatures:
$$
136 - (-50) = 136 + 50 = 186^\circ F
$$
✔ Answer: $186^\circ F$
> *Explanation:* The difference is how far apart the two temperatures are on the number line. Subtracting a negative becomes addition.
---
5. Overdrawn Checking Account
- Account is
overdrawn by $50 → balance is $-50
- You write a check for $20 → you're spending more, so subtract $20
$$
-50 - 20 = -70
$$
✔ Answer: $-70 (your account is now $70 overdrawn)
> *Explanation:* Spending money when already in debt increases the negative balance.
---
✔ Final Answers Summary:
1.
30,340 feet
2.
-21°F
3.
-550 feet (550 feet below sea level)
4.
186°F
5.
-$70
Let me know if you'd like this formatted as a printable answer sheet!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of integers word problems worksheet.
