Integer Operations

Introduction

Students entering my pre-algebra class typically have a strong understanding of integer operations and absolute value from 6th and 7th grade. I like to begin the year by reviewing these concepts with some quick notes to refresh their memory. One challenge for some students is distinguishing between absolute value bars and parentheses, for example,  5 − (−5) is different from 5 − |-5|. I make a point to emphasize this distinction as much as possible.

Notes

I have both digital and PDF versions of this notes set, but I prefer using the PDF version with my students. In this set of notes, they focus on the basics of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing integers. They also practice a few absolute value problems. To tie it all together, they complete a maze over all of the operations.

Activities

The three activities I use to reinforce this concept are described below:

• Integer Zilch - Zilch is a game I use to review different concepts in class. I place students in groups of 3–4, and each student needs a whiteboard and marker. I cut out a set of integer problems and fill a cup with various ZILCH values. The questions are placed face down in the center of the group. Students take turns acting as the “teacher.” The teacher has the answer key, picks a problem from the pile, and shows it to the group. Everyone else solves it on their whiteboards and waits until the group is finished. Once complete, they reveal their answers to the teacher. If a student is correct, they draw a slip from the Zilch cup and keep the points on their desk. If they pull a ZILCH, they lose all their points and put them back into the cup. If a student answers incorrectly, they return their highest point value to the cup. After each question, the teacher role rotates to the next student.

• Integer Group Activity - For this activity, break students in groups of 2-4. Once student in the group accesses the integer slideshow and shares it with the remaining group members. Each group member selects a slide (or two) and completes the problems on that slide. Once finished, they are all responsible for checking at least one other slide. They note which slide they completed and which slides they checked.

• Integer Breakout - This google form activity is a great way to check student understanding on various integer operations. They complete each round of operations. At the conclusion of each round, they are given a hint. They use this hint to breakout of the final game code.