WebQuest: Integer Addition and Subtraction

Why are we doing this?
	Representing the below-zero temperature on a cold winter day or, for some of us, the balance of our checking accounts may required negative numbers. Being able to accurately add and subtract integers is the crucial first step leading to the understanding of algebra.

Technical Stuff:
	The natural numbers are the the counting numbers: {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ...}. When the natural numbers, their opposites, and the number 0 are put together, we have the set of integers. The inverse property of addition states the sum of any number and its opposite is zero. Definition of Subtraction For any pair of integers a and b, the subtraction of b from a is defined as: a - b = a + (-b).

First, let's do some math.
	Perform the indicated operations.   a. -4 + 4 b. -3 - 2   Answer --> 0 Answer --> -5         c. 4 + (-5) d. 4 - (-5)   Answer --> -1 Answer --> 9         e. -12 - 16 f. 32 - (-13)   Answer --> -28 Answer --> 45

Now, let's explore a website.
	Go to the Color Chips - Addition Virtual Manipulative and follow the provided instructions to further explore integer addition. When you are comfortable with the concept, go to the Color Chips - Subtraction Virtual Manipulative and follow the provided instructions to explore integer subtraction.

Questions to think about.

1. When working with the Addition Virtual Manipulative, what happens when a black (+) chip and a red (-) chip are drug together? Why?   Answer --> They cancel each other out a disappear because -1 + 1 = 0.     2. When working with the Subtraction Virtual Manipulative, is it wrong to include too many pairs of red and black chips? Why or why not?   Answer --> No. If there are extra pairs of + and - chips, they cancel out.     3. What is the opposite of 0?   Answer --> 0, not -0.     4. If both a and b are negative integers, is a - b negative?   Answer --> If a > b, then a - b is positive. Example -5 - (-6) = +1. If a < b, then a - b is negative. Example -7 - (-6) = -1.