Adding positive and negative numbers worksheet with answers

Adding positive numbers, such as 2 + 2, is easy.

Table of Contents Show

Rule 1: Adding positive numbers to positive numbers—it’s just normal addition.
Rule 2: Adding positive numbers to negative numbers—count forward the amount you’re adding.
Rule 3: Adding negative numbers to positive numbers—count backwards, as if you were subtracting.
Rule 4: Adding negative numbers to negative numbers— treat the problem like subtraction (counting backwards).
Multiplying Integers
Dividing Integers
Mixed Operations
Integer Number Lines
Sample Worksheet Images
How do you add positive and negative numbers?
How do you answer negative and positive numbers?
What is the rule for adding and subtracting negative numbers?

When we add a negative number to a positive number, or two negative numbers, that can sometimes seem tricky. However, there are some simple rules to follow and we introduce them here.

Rule 1: Adding positive numbers to positive numbers—it’s just normal addition.

For example: this is what you have learned all along. 3 + 2 are two positive numbers. You can calculate these problems the way you always have: 3 + 2 = 5.

Rule 2: Adding positive numbers to negative numbers—count forward the amount you’re adding.

This is where it gets a little harder. Pay close attention to where the negative signs are placed in the problem.

For example: -6 + 3. This would reading “negative six plus three”. The best way to think about this problem is to use a number line that extends to the negative numbers.

You’re starting with the negative number -6.

And you’re adding three to that number, which means you are moving three spots to the right.

class="green-text">The answer is -3. -6 + 3 = -3.

Rule 3: Adding negative numbers to positive numbers—count backwards, as if you were subtracting.

Now, let’s look at the reverse equation. When you are adding a negative number to a positive number you are effectively subtracting the second number from the first.
For example, take 4 + (-2). How does that look on the numbers line?

You start at 4.

And then you add the negative number, which means you are moving to the left – in the negative direction. Basically you are subtracting the 2.

The answer is 2. 4 + (-2) = 2.

Rule 4: Adding negative numbers to negative numbers— treat the problem like subtraction (counting backwards).

When you are adding a negative number to a negative number, it becomes subtraction, where you start from a negative point on the numbers line and move left.

For example, -3 + (-2). This reads “negative three plus negative 2”. You need to ignore the plus sign and recognize that the second negative means you are subtracting that number.

We’re starting at -3.

Then we subtract 2.

The answer is -5. -3 + (-2) = -5.

Multiplying Integers

Multiply the positive and negative numbers.

6th through 8th Grades

At the top of this worksheet, students are presented with shapes that have positive and negative integers in them. Students multiply similar shapes together. For example:Find the product of the numbers in the hexagons.

6th through 8th Grades

This multiplication table features negative and positive integers ranging from negative four through positive four.

6th through 8th Grades

Dividing Integers

Divide the positive and negative numbers.

6th through 8th Grades

Mixed Operations

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers on this practice worksheet. Includes 13 regular problems and 2 word problems.

6th through 8th Grades

Integer Number Lines

Here's a large number line (-20 to 20) that you can cut out and hang on the wall of your classroom.

5th through 7th Grades

Here's a large number line that you can cut out, assemble, and hang on your classroom wall.

5th through 7th Grades

Sample Worksheet Images

How do you add positive and negative numbers?

To get the sum of a negative and a positive number, use the sign of the larger number and subtract. For example: (–7) + 4 = –3. 6 + (–9) = –3.

How do you answer negative and positive numbers?

Multiplication and Division If two positive numbers are multiplied together or divided, the answer is positive. If two negative numbers are multiplied together or divided, the answer is positive. If a positive and a negative number are multiplied or divided, the answer is negative.

What is the rule for adding and subtracting negative numbers?

To add and subtract, start by counting from zero on the number line. If the number from which the other number is being subtracted is negative, then start adding from zero towards left until the said number is obtained.