Integer Addition

Problem: George owes his friend Jeanne $3. If he borrows another $6, how
much will he owe her altogether?

Solution: This problem is quite simple: just add $3 and $6 and the result is $9.

The problem above can be solved using addition of integers. Owing $3 can be
represented by
-
3 and owing $6 can be represented by
-
6. The problem becomes:
-
3 +
-
6 =
-
9
Look at the number line below. If we start at 0, and move 3 to the left, we land on
-
3. If we
then move another 6 to the left, we end up at
-
9.


Rule: The sum of two negative integers is a negative integer.
Example 1: Find the sum of each pair of integers. You may draw a number line to
help you solve this problem.


Adding Negative Integers
Integers Sum
-
2 +
-
9 =
-
11
-
5 +
-
8 =
-
13
-
13 +
-
7 =
-
20

Do not confuse the sign of the integer with the operation being performed. Remember that:
-
2 +
-
9 =
-
11 is read as Negative 2 plus negative 9 equals negative 11.




Mathematical Symbols
An Overview




Here is a table of some of the most frequently used math symbols. Please feel free to send
me any additions you would like to see added.
Symbol What Is It?
+
Adding Sign. Often referred to as the 'plus' sign.
-
Subtracting Sign. Often referred to as the 'minus' sign.
x
Multiplication Sign. Often referred to as the 'times'
sign.

Division Sign.
=
Equal Sign.
| | Absolute Value
=
Not Equal to.
( )
Parenthesis.
[ ]
Square Brackets.
%
Percent Sign - Out of 100.

Big Sum Sign - Summation.
\
Square Root Sign.
<
Inequality sign. Less Than.
>
Inequality sign. Greater Than.
! Factorial.
u
Theta.
t
Pi
~
Approximately.

Perpindicular.
Z
Angle Sign.
!
Factorial Sign.

Therefore

Infinity