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Grade: Middle
Subject: Mathematics

#3103. Sing the Integer Rules

Mathematics, level: Middle
Posted Fri Apr 16 06:47:02 PDT 2004 by Rebecca Triana ().
Chancellor Middle School, Spotsylvania, VA USA
Materials Required: None
Concepts Taught: Integer Rules for Adding and Subtracting

Remembering the integer rules for addition and subtraction can be difficult for a lot of my students. As I pondered this delimma and surfed the web, I came across a song for adding integers.I don't know who wrote it but I thought it was great! So, I took it a step farther and added a verse for subtracting integers.

Sing to the tune of "Row Row Row Your Boat"

Same sign add and keep
Different sign subtract
Take the sign of the farther number
Then it'll be exact!

Change the minus to a plus
Change the sign of next
Then all you do is add them up
As if it were a plus!

When ever my students have difficulty with integers, I simply hum the tune of the song and they remember what to do.