🔢➖

ADDING & SUBTRACTING

Add and subtract with negative numbers - moving left and right on the line.

L5L6L7

Section 1 / 2

ADDING WITH NEGATIVE NUMBERS

Adding a negative is the same as subtracting: 5 + (−3) = 5 − 3 = 2. When adding two negatives, add the values and keep the minus sign: −4 + (−2) = −6. Think of it as owing money - if you owe 4 and borrow 2 more, you owe 6.

5 + (−3)

1Adding a negative = subtracting

25 + (−3) = 5 − 3 = 2

= 2

−4 + (−2)

1Both negative: add the values, keep the minus

24 + 2 = 6, so −4 + (−2) = −6

= -6

LEADER TIP

Adding a positive moves right, adding a negative moves left. Walking on a number line makes operations physical.

BEFORE THIS LESSON, TRY

⚖️Comparing Negatives 🏗️Place Value Addition 🔀Regrouping (Borrowing)

PRACTICE WITH THESE GAMES

🦘Number Line Jump 🔢Quick Calculate ⚡Math Sprint

Want more practice? Generate printable worksheets with similar problems.

Go to Worksheets

ADDING & SUBTRACTING

What would you like to share?