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GRADE 7 MATH · LEARNING PATHWAYS 2.0

Adding & Subtracting Rational Numbers

Explore adding & subtracting rational numbers through guided examples and 12 practice questions.

Section 1 of 21

01 · DISCOVER

Before you begin

Enter your name and school email to save your learning. You’ll explore Proportional Relationships in Tables and then practice 12 questions with feedback.

Success criteria
  1. I can explain the main math idea in my own words.
  2. I can use a model, calculation, or example to solve a related problem.
  3. I can check my answers and explain why a solution makes sense.

Essential question: How can we use adding & subtracting rational numbers to solve problems?

02 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Where this matters

Temperatures rise and fall, account balances change, and elevations may be above or below zero.

03 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Understand the mathematics

Start at -3 on a number line. Subtracting 5 means move five units left to -8. For subtracting a negative, add its opposite: -7 – (-3) = -4.

Trace each operation and verify the result by checking the original problem.

Integer number line
-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-10

Visualize -3 – 5: begin at -3 and travel 5 units left to -8.

04 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Model the first situation

A temperature of −6°C rises by 9°C. Start at −6 on a number line and move nine units right. You land at 3°C.

Think: Which operation or representation best shows this situation?

05 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Why this concept matters

Temperatures rise and fall, account balances change, and elevations may be above or below zero.

Use diagrams, number lines, tables, or algebraic representations where appropriate to explain why a procedure works.

06 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Understand a second strategy

To calculate −4 − (−7), change subtraction to adding the opposite: −4 + 7 = 3. Subtracting a negative moves right.

Try it: Check the reasoning with your own numbers or a visual model.

07 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Apply your learning

A bank account at −$8 receives a $12 deposit and then has a $5 fee. Write −8 + 12 − 5 = −1. The final balance is −$1.

Strategy reminder: Draw a number line and label the start, movement, and end. Estimate the sign before you calculate.

08 · LEARN & EXPLORE

Connect the idea

Adding a positive moves right on a number line; adding a negative moves left. Subtracting a number is the same as adding its opposite.

Explain the idea in your own words and identify when you would use it.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 1 OF 12

What is 4 + (-9)?

Choose the best answer, then study the feedback.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 2 OF 12

What is -7 – (-3)?

Work independently and check that your answer makes sense.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 3 OF 12

-6 + 4 = ?

Work out your answer before choosing. Compare with the explanation and revise your reasoning.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 4 OF 12

-8 – 3 = ?

Work out your answer before choosing. Compare with the explanation and revise your reasoning.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 5 OF 12

-5 – (-2) = ?

Work out your answer before choosing. Compare with the explanation and revise your reasoning.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 6 OF 12

3.5 + (-1.2) = ?

Work out your answer before choosing. Compare with the explanation and revise your reasoning.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 7 OF 12

-2.5 – 1.5 = ?

Work out your answer before choosing. Compare with the explanation and revise your reasoning.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 8 OF 12

1/2 + (-1/4) = ?

Work out your answer before choosing. Compare with the explanation and revise your reasoning.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 9 OF 12

-3/4 – 1/4 = ?

Work out your answer before choosing. Compare with the explanation and revise your reasoning.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 10 OF 12

Which expression equals -9?

Work out your answer before choosing. Compare with the explanation and revise your reasoning.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 11 OF 12

-1.8 + 0.6 = ?

Work out your answer before choosing. Compare with the explanation and revise your reasoning.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE · 12 OF 12

Temperature is -2°C and drops 7°C. New temperature?

Work out your answer before choosing. Compare with the explanation and revise your reasoning.

RESULTS · REFLECT

Your Learning Pathway Results

Reflect on your learning: Which problem best shows what you learned? What strategy helped, and what would you still like to practice? Explain your answer to a partner or write it on paper before submitting.

Check your work and submit your first-attempt score to your teacher.