Integers: Negative + Positive


    To add Integers, we will use a number line. The number line will help us organize our information and provide a positional strategy for dealing with numbers of this type. Here is the strategy.

    When you add a negative number with a positive number, locate the first number on the number line. Next, move to the right of that number a number of spaces equal to the value of the second number. The answer to the problem is the same value as the last number on which you land.


    Dealing with positive and negative numbers requires knowledge of absolute value. Absolute value means distance from zero. So, the absolute value of 9 is 9 because 9 is 9 units from zero. The absolute value of -3 is 3, because -3 is 3 units from zero. The notation below says the exact same thing, but is written using mathematical symbols.

    Let us examine two examples that use this positional strategy. The number line below will assist you through the process.



To help you learn other skills with Integers, use the links below.

Positive + Positive
Positive + Negative
Negative + Negative

Go to Subtracting Integers.
Go to the Frontpage.
Go to MATHguide.

(Updated October 17th, 2004)