Let's solve each of the problems step by step. These involve
addition and subtraction of positive and negative integers.
---
1. -5 + 12
- Start at -5 and move 12 units to the right.
- $-5 + 12 = 7$
✔ Answer: 7
---
2. 6 - 10
- Subtracting 10 from 6 is like moving 10 units left from 6.
- $6 - 10 = -4$
✔ Answer: -4
---
3. -8 + 13
- Start at -8, add 13 → move 13 units right.
- $-8 + 13 = 5$
✔ Answer: 5
---
4. -6 - 17
- Subtracting 17 from -6 means move 17 units left.
- $-6 - 17 = -23$
✔ Answer: -23
---
5. 6 + (-8)
- Adding a negative is same as subtracting.
- $6 + (-8) = 6 - 8 = -2$
✔ Answer: -2
---
6. -6 - (-4)
- Subtracting a negative is same as adding.
- $-6 - (-4) = -6 + 4 = -2$
✔ Answer: -2
---
7. -9 + (-14)
- Adding two negatives → add their absolute values and keep negative sign.
- $-9 + (-14) = -(9 + 14) = -23$
✔ Answer: -23
---
8. 14 + (-5)
- Add a negative → subtract.
- $14 + (-5) = 14 - 5 = 9$
✔ Answer: 9
---
9. -12 + 4
- Start at -12, add 4 → move 4 units right.
- $-12 + 4 = -8$
✔ Answer: -8
---
10. -12 - (-20)
- Subtracting a negative becomes addition.
- $-12 - (-20) = -12 + 20 = 8$
✔ Answer: 8
---
✔ Final Answers:
| Problem | Answer |
|--------|--------|
| 1 | 7 |
| 2 | -4 |
| 3 | 5 |
| 4 | -23 |
| 5 | -2 |
| 6 | -2 |
| 7 | -23 |
| 8 | 9 |
| 9 | -8 |
| 10 | 8 |
---
🔍 Key Rules Used:
-
Adding a negative: $a + (-b) = a - b$
-
Subtracting a negative: $a - (-b) = a + b$
-
Adding two negatives: $-a + (-b) = -(a + b)$
-
Signs matter: Think of number line or use rules for combining signs.
Let me know if you'd like this explained with number lines!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of subtracting positive and negative numbers worksheet.
