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7th gr math Lesson

Adding Positive and Negative Integers: Finding the Sum

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7th gr level 1BTC Style / Thinking ClassroomsCCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.NS.A.1, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.NS.A.1b, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.NS.A.1d40 min
Learning Objective

Students will be able to find the sum of two integers (positive and negative) by applying the rules for same-sign and different-sign addition, and interpret sums in real-world contexts.

Lesson Overview

Students progress from adding two integers with the same sign to adding integers with different signs, using number line reasoning and real-world contexts to build conceptual understanding before moving to abstract computation.

Materials

  • Vertical whiteboards or chart paper
  • Dry-erase markers
  • Markers in two colors (one per sign)
  • Random grouping tool
  • Printed Four-Quadrant note sheets

Scaffolded Task Progression

1Task 1
The temperature at midnight is degrees. By morning it drops another degrees. Write an addition expression and find the new temperature.

Hint: Both changes go in the SAME direction on the number line. Which direction?


[ Interactive graph / diagram, available in the full lesson ]
2Task 2
A football team gains yards on one play, then gains another yards on the next play. Write an addition expression and find the total yards gained.

Now write a SECOND problem: the team LOSES yards, then LOSES another yards. Write the expression and find the result.

What do you notice about the two answers?

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