Why does minus a minus become a plus?

Subtracting represents removing something. Removing a debt (a negative amount) makes your net worth increase, which is equivalent to adding positive money.

Is 0 positive or negative?

Zero is neither positive nor negative; it is the neutral origin point between positive and negative numbers.

How do I generate unlimited randomized integer worksheets?

Use the "Unlimited & Shuffle" button to generate fresh randomized worksheets with customizable problem counts and difficulty levels.

🎓 Grades 6-8📄 Free PDF + Keys♾️ Dynamic Generator

Adding and Subtracting IntegersFREEWorksheet Generator(Grades 6-8)

Adding and Subtracting Integers worksheets with step-by-step answer keys. Generate unlimited unique practice sheets with fresh problems for Grades 6–8.

🎯 Integers & Signed Numbers Worksheets:Switch to PEMDAS / BODMAS Worksheets ➔

Within ±10 Within ±20 Add & Subtract (±50)Master + / −Multiply & Divide

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Set A • 10 Qs

PanMaths.comAdding and Subtracting Integers Worksheet Generator with Answers (±50 Range) • Set A (Medium)

Name: __________________________

Date: _____________ Period: ____

Score: _____ / 10

5+(-12)= ______

Workspace:

6−(-13)= ______

Workspace:

-11+15= ______

Workspace:

7−(-1)= ______

Workspace:

17+(-7)= ______

Workspace:

18+18= ______

Workspace:

7+(-16)= ______

Workspace:

-20+(-1)= ______

Workspace:

12+(-11)= ______

Workspace:

10.

-5+13= ______

Workspace:

PanMaths.com • Free Math Worksheet Generator • Set A (Medium)Page 1 of 2

PanMaths.comAnswer Key & Worked Solutions • Set A (Medium)

Answer Key

Total Problems: 10

5+(-12)= -7

1. Different Signs Rule: Subtract smaller absolute value from larger |5| − |12| = 7

2. Take Sign of Larger Magnitude: |-12| is larger (Negative (−))

3. Result: 5 + (-12) = -7 ✅

6−(-13)= 19

1. Rewrite Subtraction as Adding the Opposite: 6 − (-13) = 6 + 13

2. Apply Integer Addition Rules: |6| with |13|

3. Result: 6 − (-13) = 19 ✅

-11+15= 4

1. Different Signs Rule: Subtract smaller absolute value from larger |11| − |15| = 4

2. Take Sign of Larger Magnitude: |15| is larger (Positive (+))

3. Result: (-11) + 15 = 4 ✅

7−(-1)= 8

1. Rewrite Subtraction as Adding the Opposite: 7 − (-1) = 7 + 1

2. Apply Integer Addition Rules: |7| with |1|

3. Result: 7 − (-1) = 8 ✅

17+(-7)= 10

1. Different Signs Rule: Subtract smaller absolute value from larger |17| − |7| = 10

2. Take Sign of Larger Magnitude: |17| is larger (Positive (+))

3. Result: 17 + (-7) = 10 ✅

18+18= 36

1. Same Signs Rule (Positive + Positive): Add absolute values |18| + |18| = 36

2. Keep the Common Sign: Positive (+)

3. Result: 18 + 18 = 36 ✅

7+(-16)= -9

1. Different Signs Rule: Subtract smaller absolute value from larger |7| − |16| = 9

2. Take Sign of Larger Magnitude: |-16| is larger (Negative (−))

3. Result: 7 + (-16) = -9 ✅

-20+(-1)= -21

1. Same Signs Rule (Negative + Negative): Add absolute values |-20| + |-1| = 21

2. Keep the Common Sign: Negative (−)

3. Result: (-20) + (-1) = -21 ✅

12+(-11)= 1

1. Different Signs Rule: Subtract smaller absolute value from larger |12| − |11| = 1

2. Take Sign of Larger Magnitude: |12| is larger (Positive (+))

3. Result: 12 + (-11) = 1 ✅

10.

-5+13= 8

1. Different Signs Rule: Subtract smaller absolute value from larger |5| − |13| = 8

2. Take Sign of Larger Magnitude: |13| is larger (Positive (+))

3. Result: (-5) + 13 = 8 ✅

PanMaths.com • Answer Key & Worked SolutionsPage 2 of 2

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Worksheet Info

Categoryarithmetic

Grade LevelGrades 6-8 (Middle School Pre-Algebra & Algebra 1)

DifficultyIntermediate to Advanced (Signed addition & subtraction up to ±50)

Time15-20 min

Skills Practiced

✓ Adding positive and negative integers with like and unlike signs
✓ Subtracting positive and negative integers using the additive inverse
✓ Eliminating double negatives: a − (−b) = a + b
✓ Absolute value reasoning and mental magnitude comparisons
✓ Preparing for linear equations and algebraic expressions

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Related Worksheets

📄 Integers Within 10 Generator with Answers (Adding & Subtracting ±10)View →📄 Integers Within 20 Generator with Answers (Adding & Subtracting ±20)View →📄 Multiplying and Dividing Integers Generator with AnswersView →📄 Order of Operations (PEMDAS / BODMAS)View →📄 Times Tables 1 to 20 Generator with AnswersView →📄 3-Digit by 2-Digit MultiplicationView →

The Golden Rule: Keep-Change-Change (KCC)

Whenever a subtraction symbol appears between signed numbers, students should apply the universal KCC protocol:

KEEP the first integer exactly as it is written (sign included).
CHANGE the subtraction sign (−) to an addition sign (+).
CHANGE the second integer to its opposite sign (positive becomes negative, or negative becomes positive).
SOLVE using standard addition rules!

Example: -18 − 27 becomes -18 + (-27) = -45. Example: -32 − (-45) becomes -32 + 45 = +13.

The Top 3 Student Pitfalls with Signed Numbers

Pitfall 1: Confusing subtraction with negative signs. Students often see -12 − 5 and subtract 12 − 5 = 7. Correction: Both terms are negative, so you are accumulating debt: -12 + (-5) = -17.
Pitfall 2: Over-applying 'Two negatives make a positive'. Thinking (-8) + (-6) = +14. Two negatives produce a positive ONLY when multiplied or when subtracting a negative, NEVER when simply adding negative quantities!
Pitfall 3: Dropping parentheses around negative terms. Writing 15 - - 4 instead of 15 − (-4). Keeping parentheses around negative second terms prevents syntax confusion.

Customizable Practice Sheets with Dual Anti-Cheat Sets

PanMaths gives educators full control over problem counts (6, 8, 10, 12, or 15 problems per sheet) and allows instant switching between Set A and Set B to distribute parallel, non-identical versions across the classroom. The second page features an emerald-boxed solution key that details the KCC rewrite step, absolute value comparison, and final integer result, making peer review or self-grading fast and error-free.

💡 1. Adding Same Signs

Add the absolute values and keep the shared sign: -5 + (-3) = -8 (you owe 5 and owe 3, so you owe 8).

💡 2. Adding Different Signs

Subtract the smaller magnitude from the larger magnitude, and keep the sign of the larger number: -9 + 4 = -5.

💡 3. Subtracting a Negative = Adding a Positive

Turn subtraction into adding the opposite: 7 − (−4) = 7 + 4 = 11!

Worksheet Facts by Grade Level

Grade Level	CCSS Standard	Target Operations
Grade 6	Understand positive and negative numbers on number lines (CCSS.6.NS.C.5)	Single-digit addition within ±10
Grade 7	Add and subtract rational numbers and apply opposite rules (CCSS.7.NS.A.1)	Mixed addition and subtraction within ±20 with double negatives
Grade 8 / Pre-Algebra	Solve linear equations with multi-step signed integers (CCSS.8.EE.C.7)	Multi-digit operations up to ±50

Mastering Integer Addition and Subtraction

Adding and subtracting signed numbers (CCSS.7.NS.A.1) is foundational for all subsequent middle and high school math.

Students often struggle with sign confusion. By framing addition as directional movement on a number line (right for positive, left for negative) and subtraction as reversing direction, students build a concrete mental model.

The "Add the Opposite" Rule for Subtraction

Every subtraction problem can be transformed into an addition problem: $a - b = a + (-b)$ and $a - (-b) = a + b$.

12 − 15 = 12 + (−15) = −3
−8 − 6 = −8 + (−6) = −14
−10 − (−4) = −10 + 4 = −6

Zero Pairs & Real-World Intuition

A positive chip $+1$ and a negative chip $-1$ cancel out to form a zero pair. Real-world applications include bank account balances (deposits vs. withdrawals), elevation (above vs. below sea level), and temperature changes.

Benefits of Mastery

📉 Number Line Fluency

Visualizes positive and negative quantities along a horizontal continuum.

⚖️ Zero Pairs & Opposite Rules

Eliminates confusion between double negatives and standard subtraction.

🧠 Mental Math Speed

Builds automaticity with signed calculations without relying on electronic calculators.

🖨️ Verified Step-by-Step Keys

Shows sign conversion steps and absolute value proofs on every printed sheet.