Add and subtract integers: word problems

Key notes :

Understanding Integers

• Integers: Integers are whole numbers that can be positive, negative, or zero.
• Positive Integers: Integers greater than zero, represented by numbers without a minus sign (e.g., 1, 2, 3).
• Negative Integers: Integers less than zero, represented by numbers with a minus sign (e.g., -1, -2, -3).
• Zero: The integer that is neither positive nor negative.

Word Problems Involving Addition and Subtraction of Integers

• Temperature:
  • Example: The temperature was -5°C in the morning. It rose by 8°C during the day. What is the temperature now?
• Money:
  • Example: You have $20. You spend $12 on a book and $5 on a snack. How much money do you have left?
• Elevation:
  • Example: A hiker is at an elevation of 1200 meters. They climb 300 meters higher and then descend 400 meters. What is their final elevation?
• Games:
  • Example: In a card game, you gain 5 points on one turn and lose 3 points on the next turn. What is your total score?

Steps to Solve Word Problems:

1. Identify the operations: Determine whether the problem involves addition or subtraction.
2. Assign integers: Assign positive or negative integers to represent the quantities in the problem.
3. Perform the operation: Add or subtract the integers as indicated in the problem.
4. Interpret the result: Make sure the answer is reasonable and matches the context of the problem.

Example:

A submarine is at a depth of -200 meters. It rises 50 meters. What is its new depth?

1. Identify the operation: This problem involves addition.
2. Assign integers: -200 represents the initial depth, and 50 represents the rise.
3. Perform the operation: -200 + 50 = -150
4. Interpret the result: The submarine’s new depth is -150 meters.

Learn with an example

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