Skill: Add integers

To add integers:

1. Check the signs.
   • If the signs are the same, add the absolute values and keep the common sign.
   • If the signs are different, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value. Keep the sign of the number with the greater absolute value.

Example: Find $-8+13$

The integers have different signs, so subtract their absolute values:

$$13-8=5$$

The absolute value of $13$ is greater than the absolute value of $-8$, so the answer keeps the positive sign:

$$-8+13=\boxed{5}$$

On a number line, start at $-8$ and move $13$ units to the right because you are adding a positive number. You land on $5$.

Remember, adding $0$ does not change a number, and switching the order of the addends does not change the sum: $a+b=b+a$.