Math worksheet for practicing addition and subtraction of negative numbers.

Let's solve each problem step by step, explaining the rules for adding and subtracting negative numbers.

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🔷 Key Rules to Remember:

1. Adding a positive number: Move right on the number line.
2. Adding a negative number: Same as subtracting a positive number (move left).
3. Subtracting a positive number: Move left.
4. Subtracting a negative number: Same as adding a positive number (move right).

Also:
- $ +(-a) = -a $
- $ -(-a) = +a $

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Now let’s go through each problem:

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1. 7 + 2 =

Addition of two positives:
$ 7 + 2 = 9 $

✔ Answer: 9

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2. 7 + (−2) =

Adding a negative is like subtracting:
$ 7 - 2 = 5 $

✔ Answer: 5

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3. 7 − 2 =

Subtracting a positive:
$ 7 - 2 = 5 $

✔ Answer: 5

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4. 7 − (−2) =

Subtracting a negative is like adding a positive:
$ 7 + 2 = 9 $

✔ Answer: 9

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5. 7 − (+2) =

Same as $ 7 - 2 $:
$ 7 - 2 = 5 $

✔ Answer: 5

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6. −7 + 2 =

Start at −7, add 2:
$ -7 + 2 = -5 $

✔ Answer: −5

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11. 2 + 7 =

Simple addition:
$ 2 + 7 = 9 $

✔ Answer: 9

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12. 2 + (−7) =

Adding a negative:
$ 2 - 7 = -5 $

✔ Answer: −5

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13. 2 − 7 =

Subtracting a larger number:
$ 2 - 7 = -5 $

✔ Answer: −5

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14. 2 − (−7) =

Subtracting a negative → add the positive:
$ 2 + 7 = 9 $

✔ Answer: 9

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15. 2 − (+7) =

Same as $ 2 - 7 = -5 $

✔ Answer: −5

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16. −2 + 7 =

Start at −2, add 7:
$ -2 + 7 = 5 $

✔ Answer: 5

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✔ Final Answers:

| Problem | Answer |
|--------|--------|
| 1. 7 + 2 | 9 |
| 2. 7 + (−2) | 5 |
| 3. 7 − 2 | 5 |
| 4. 7 − (−2) | 9 |
| 5. 7 − (+2) | 5 |
| 6. −7 + 2 | −5 |
| 11. 2 + 7 | 9 |
| 12. 2 + (−7) | −5 |
| 13. 2 − 7 | −5 |
| 14. 2 − (−7) | 9 |
| 15. 2 − (+7) | −5 |
| 16. −2 + 7 | 5 |

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🧠 Summary Tips:

- "Two negatives make a positive" only applies when you're subtracting a negative.
- Always think in terms of number lines or opposite operations.
- When you see $ a - (-b) $, rewrite it as $ a + b $.

Let me know if you'd like a visual number line explanation!