Addition And Subtraction Of Integers Word Problems

Okay, grab your coffee—or tea, I don't judge. Let’s talk about something that sounds scary but is actually just a little puzzle: addition and subtraction of integers word problems. You know, those problems where a submarine dives down 50 feet, then goes up 20, and you have to figure out where it is? Yeah, those.

The trick is not to panic. Your brain is way smarter than these problems give it credit for. They just want you to think in terms of winning and losing, or above and below.

The Golden Rule: Think "Money" and "Temperature"

Here’s your new best friend: imagine integers as money. Positive numbers are cash you find in a coat pocket. Negative numbers? That’s the bill you forgot you owe. Fun, right?

So if a problem says, “Sarah has $30 and spends $45,” that’s just 30 minus 45. You get -$15. She’s in debt. Grab a tissue for Sarah. Or better yet, grab a number line.

Temperature works the same way. If it’s 10°F and drops 15 degrees, you get -5°F. Your toes will protest, but the math is clear. No crying in math, remember?

When You See "Add" But It’s Really "Subtract" (Plot Twist!)

Here’s where it gets sneaky. Word problems love to use words like “decrease,” “spend,” or “lose.” That’s code for subtraction. And “increase,” “gain,” or “win” is addition. Shocking, I know.

For example: “John’s bank account increased by $50, then decreased by $70.” So you do +50 then –70. That’s like climbing one step up a ladder and then two steps down. You end up below where you started. Ouch.

But here’s the magic: if the word says “difference” or “change,” you might be looking at absolute value. Don’t worry—just ask yourself: “Did they go up or down overall?”

Let’s Get Playful: A Submarine, A Balloon, and A Debt

Picture a submarine at sea level (zero). It dives 40 feet. That’s -40. Then it rises 15 feet. That’s +15. So: -40 + 15 = -25. The sub is 25 feet below the surface. Deep, but not lost.

Free subtracting integers word problems worksheet, Download Free

Now picture a balloon at 100 feet. It descends 30 feet (that’s -30). Then it goes up 10 feet (+10). So 100 – 30 + 10 = 80 feet. The balloon is still high, but a bird just laughed at it.

What about a bank account? You start with $200, write a check for $250 (that’s -250), then deposit $100. So: 200 – 250 + 100 = $50. You survived. Barely. Celebrate with a $4 coffee.

The "Double Negative" Trick (Dun-Dun-Dun!)

Sometimes you’ll see crazy phrases like “the temperature decreased by negative 5 degrees.” Your brain will explode. But it’s simple: decreasing by a negative is the same as adding. Like saying “I owe you nothing” actually means you have extra cash.

So if a problem says “the stock lost $20, then lost another -$15,” that’s -20 minus (-15). Minus a minus is plus. So -20 + 15 = -5. It’s still a loss, but a smaller loss. Progress!

Think of it this way: if you tell me to “take away your debt,” you’re actually giving me money. See? Math is just mind games.

How to Not Get Tricked by Words (A Little Cheat Sheet)

Look for keywords. “More than” means add. “Less than” means subtract. “Above sea level” is positive; “below” is negative. “Owe” is negative; “gain” is positive. Write them on a napkin if you have to.

Also, always ask: “Does the answer make sense?” If the problem says a diver goes down 80 feet but the answer is positive 100, your math is drunk.

Free adding and subtracting integers word problems worksheet, Download

When in doubt, draw a number line. Yes, like in third grade. It’s not embarrassing—it’s strategic. Draw a line, put zero in the middle, and walk your finger left or right. It’s weirdly satisfying.

Real Talk: You’ll Mess Up and That’s Fine

I once solved a problem about a bank account and got -$3,000. Turned out I forgot the word “owed.” My answer was hilariously wrong. But I laughed, fixed it, and moved on. You will too.

The secret is that word problems are just stories with numbers. You’re a detective. Read the story once without math—just for vibes. Then go back with a calculator and a cup of confidence.

And if you get stuck? Reread. Nine times out of ten, you missed a word like “lost” or “temperature rose.” It’s not you—it’s the problem being a tiny liar.

Wrapping Up (With One Last Example)

Here’s a fun one: “At noon, the temperature was 5°F. It dropped 8 degrees by 6 PM. Then it rose 3 degrees by midnight. What’s the temperature at midnight?”

Do this: 5 – 8 = -3. Then -3 + 3 = 0. Freezing, but poetic. You did it!

So next time you see a word problem about elevators, debts, or fish swimming up and down, just smile. You’ve got this. And if not, call me. I’ll bring coffee and a number line.