Find the sum of the integers $- 7$ and $5$ .

easy 1 mark Class 6 · Mathematics · Integers

Answer

-2

The correct answer is -2 — Step 5: Conclude that the sum is $- 2$ .

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: Identify the integers: $- 7$ and $5$ .
Step 2: Recognise that adding a negative is equivalent to subtracting the absolute value: $- 7 + 5 = - (7 - 5)$ .
Step 3: Compute the difference inside the parenthesis: $7 - 5 = 2$ .
Step 4: Apply the negative sign: $- (2) = - 2$ .
Step 5: Conclude that the sum is $- 2$ .

Common mistake: Treating negative numbers as additional positives instead of subtraction.

Concept tested: Adding integers