Integers

To add integers, first check their signs. When the signs match, add their absolute values and keep that sign. When the signs differ, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value and keep the sign of the number with the larger absolute value. The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero, written $|x|$, and is never negative. For example, $|-8|=8$ and $|5|=5$. Always evaluate expressions inside parentheses before multiplying or adding. The phrase “the sum of” indicates addition.