Opposite Signs Answer Key

This worksheet focuses on the part of integer addition that usually gives students the most trouble: adding numbers with opposite signs. Students work with problems such as 9 + (-4), -7 + 3, 6 + (-11), and -20 + 12. Unlike same-sign addition, students do not simply add the two numbers together. Instead, they compare the absolute values, subtract the smaller magnitude from the larger magnitude, and then keep the sign of the number with the greater absolute value. The activity strengthens integer addition, absolute value, comparison, subtraction, positive and negative numbers, and number sense while helping students understand why the larger magnitude controls the final sign. It is especially useful for grades 6-7 students who already know same-sign addition and are ready for the next major integer rule.

For a parent who does not remember this rule from school, a very simple way to explain it is to think of the two numbers as pulling in opposite directions. Positive numbers pull right and negative numbers pull left. The stronger side wins. In 9 + (-4), the positive 9 is stronger than the negative 4, so the answer stays positive. Subtract 4 from 9 and get 5. In 6 + (-11), the negative 11 is stronger, so 11 – 6 = 5 and the answer is -5. This “which side is stronger?” idea is often much easier for children than memorizing a complicated sentence.

Learning Goals

• Add Integers with Opposite Signs: Students practice positive-plus-negative and negative-plus-positive combinations.
• Compare Absolute Values: Learners determine which integer has the greater magnitude before deciding the sign.
• Subtract the Smaller Magnitude: Students find the difference between the two absolute values.
• Keep the Sign of the Stronger Number: Learners understand that the integer farther from zero determines whether the answer is positive or negative.

Parent-Friendly Teaching Tips

• First Ignore the Signs: Compare the sizes of the two numbers.
• Subtract, Don’t Add: When signs are different, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger one.
• Then Restore the Sign: The sign comes from whichever original number had the greater absolute value.
• Use a Tug-of-War Picture: One side is positive, one side is negative, and the larger side wins.

Classroom & Home Use

• Targets a Common Trouble Spot: Mixed-sign addition is where many students begin making sign errors.
• Works Well After Same-Sign Practice: It naturally follows a worksheet like Matching Signs.
• Builds Absolute-Value Reasoning: Students have to think about magnitude, not just the written sign.
• Good for Intervention: The repeated format gives struggling learners enough practice to see the pattern.
• Easy for Parents to Check: Adults can ask, “Which number has the bigger absolute value, and what sign does it have?”

The main value of this worksheet is that it teaches students to look at both size and direction. Positive numbers, negative numbers, absolute value, subtraction, comparison, and addition all work together as students solve each expression. For parents, the easiest coaching question is: “Which number is stronger?” If the larger absolute value belongs to the negative number, the answer is negative. If it belongs to the positive number, the answer is positive. In classroom and homeschool settings, this worksheet is an important bridge toward fluent integer addition and more advanced algebra work.