MODELING SUMS OF INTEGERS WITH THE SAME SIGN

We can use the following colored counters to model the sum of integers with different signs. 

Example 1 : 

Find the sum of +4 and +3. 

Solution : 

Start with four positive counters to represent +4 and three positive counters to represent +3. 

In the above figure, there are seven positive counters.

So, the answer is +7. 

Therefore,

(+4) + (+3)  =  +7

Example 2 : 

Find the sum of -5 and -2. 

Solution : 

Start with five negative counters to represent -5 and two negative counters to represent -2. 

In the above figure, there are seven negative counters. 

So, the answer is -7. 

Therefore,

(-5) + (-2)  =  -7

Example 3 : 

Find the sum of +4 and +7. 

Solution : 

Start with four positive counters to represent +4 and seven positive counters to represent +7. 

In the above figure, there are eleven positive counters. 

So, the answer is +11. 

Therefore,

(+4) + (+7)  =  +11

Example 4 : 

Find the sum of -2 and -3. 

Solution : 

Start with two negative counters to represent -2 and three negative counters to represent -3. 

In the above figure, there are five negative counters. 

So, the answer is -5. 

Therefore,

(-2) + (-3)  =  -5

Example 5 : 

Find the sum of +5 and +2. 

Solution : 

Start with five positive counters to represent +5 and two positive counters to represent +2. 

In the above figure, there are seven positive counters. 

So, the answer is +7. 

Therefore,

(+5) + (+2)  =  +7

Kindly mail your feedback to v4formath@gmail.com

We always appreciate your feedback.