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signed numbers

Integers: Operations with Signed Numbers

Before you do ANY computation, determine the OPERATION!
Then follow the instructions for THAT operation.

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Addition Subtraction Multiplication or Division Practice Exercises

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ADDITION

Do the numbers have the SAME SIGN?
YES -	Same Signs: Find the SUM:		NO -	Different signs: Find the DIFFERENCE:
(-3) + (-6) = (-9) (+4) + (+5) = (+9)			(+5) + (-7) = (-2) (-4) + (+6) = (+2)
Either way:   Keep the sign of the LARGER* number.

* "LARGER" is used here as a quick (but mathematically imprecise) way to describe the integer with the greater Absolute Value (ie. distance from zero). In each of the examples above, the SECOND integer has a greater Absolute Value.

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SUBTRACTION

First, change the SUBTRACTION problem to an ADDITION problem;
Then, follow the rules (above) for solving the new ADDITION problem.

(-6) - (+2) =

First, copy the problem exactly. 1. The first number stays the same. 2. Change the operation. 3. Switch the NEXT SIGN. 4. Follow the rules for addition.		(-6) - (+2) = (-6) (-6) + (-6) + (-2) (-6) + (-2) = (-8)
Subtract means:       Add the opposite.		(+2) - (-6) = (+2) + (+6) = (+8)
Subtract means:       Add the opposite.		(-7) - (-3) = (-7) + (+3) = (-4)
Subtract means:       Add the opposite.		(+4) - (+9) = (+4) + (-9) = (-5)

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MULTICATION OR DIVISION

First, DO the multiplication or division.

Then determine the sign:

Count the number of negative signs....
Are there an EVEN number of negative signs?

YES	(an EVEN number of negative signs)	the answer is POSITIVE
NO	(an ODD number of negative signs)	the answer is NEGATIVE

First, copy the problem exactly.		(-2) * (-4) * (-6) =
DO the multiplication or division.		|2| * |4| * |6| = |48|
Count the number of negative signs.... Determine the sign of the answer:		(-2) * (-4) * (-6) =
Are there an EVEN number of negatives? If YES, the answer is POSITIVE otherwise, the answer is negative.		A total of THREE NEGATIVES Three is NOT EVEN   (it's odd). So the answer is NEGATIVE -48

(4) ÷ (2) * (6) = 12 A total of ZERO NEGATIVES Zero IS EVEN . So the answer is POSITIVE

(4) ÷ (-2) * (6) = -12 A total of ONE NEGATIVE One is NOT EVEN (it's odd). So the answer is NEGATIVE

(-4) ÷ (2) * (-6) = 12 A total of TWO NEGATIVES TWO IS EVEN . So the answer is POSITIVE

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