Numbers & Operations
Adding Numbers
Adding numbers follows three scenarios: both positive (add, keep positive), both negative (add, keep negative), or different signs (subtract the smaller absolute value and keep the sign of the larger).
Visualize It
Adding Numbers — All Three Scenarios on the Number Line
Scenario 1 — Both Positive (Same Sign)
3 + 5 = ?
Same signs → ADD the values, KEEP the positive sign
Scenario 2 — Both Negative (Same Sign)
−3 + (−4) = ?
Same signs → ADD the values, KEEP the negative sign
Scenario 3 — Different Signs
8 + (−3) = ?
Different signs → SUBTRACT the smaller from the larger, KEEP the sign of the bigger number
The Three Rules — Quick Reference
Watch & Learn
Watch a clear, friendly video explanation of Adding Numbers:
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Worked Examples
Follow along with these step-by-step examples. Take your time — there's no rush!
Problem
Calculate: 3 + 5 (both positive)
Step-by-Step Solution
Both numbers are positive — same sign.
Rule: Add the values and keep the positive sign.
3 + 5 = 8
Answer
8
Problem
Calculate: −3 + (−4) (both negative)
Step-by-Step Solution
Both numbers are negative — same sign.
Rule: Add the absolute values and keep the negative sign.
3 + 4 = 7, so the answer is −7.
Answer
−7
Problem
Calculate: 8 + (−3) (different signs)
Step-by-Step Solution
The signs are different — one positive, one negative.
Rule: Subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger.
8 − 3 = 5.
The larger absolute value (8) is positive, so the answer is positive.
Answer
5
Problem
Calculate: −10 + 4 (different signs)
Step-by-Step Solution
Different signs.
Subtract: 10 − 4 = 6.
The larger absolute value (10) is negative, so the answer is −6.
Answer
−6
Problem
Calculate: −7 + 7 (different signs, equal values)
Step-by-Step Solution
Different signs but equal absolute values.
They cancel each other out completely.
−7 + 7 = 0
Answer
0
Your Turn — Practice Problems
Try all 5 problems on your own first. Write out your work — that's how it sticks!
💡 Tip: Don't peek at the answers until you've genuinely tried each one.
6 + 9
−4 + (−8)
5 + (−9)
−6 + 14
−20 + (−5)
13 + (−13)
−3 + (−3)
100 + (−40)
−7 + 2
0 + (−11)
−15 + (−15)
8 + (−3) + (−2)
Finished all 12? Give yourself a pat on the back — then check your work!
Keep going — you're on a roll!
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