Grade 7 · Number · Rational Numbers and Integer Operations

Reason Across Zero

A rational number can be written as a fraction of integers. Negative rational numbers extend fractions and decimals below zero.

The big idea

A sign describes both position and change

The value −3 is three units below zero. Adding −5 means moving five more units in the negative direction, while subtracting −5 means reversing that change.

Work it through

Solve −3 − (−5)

1. Start at −3 on a number line.
2. Subtracting a negative reverses a negative movement.
3. Move 5 units right: −3, −2, −1, 0, 1, 2.
4. So −3 − (−5) = 2.