7th grade integers and rational numbers
7th grade integers and rational numbers (class 7): a quiz for kids, then every skill in order with lessons, a checklist and a plan.
🧒 Kids: answer 10 grade 7 integer questions. Tap Check ✓ after each one!
🔢 Integer practice 🏆 Integer levels 🧮 Integer calculator 📏 Number line
What 7th grader learn about integers
In grade 7 (class 7), children add, subtract, multiply and divide integers. They use number lines and zero pairs, turn subtraction into adding the opposite, and learn the sign rules. They then use the same rules for negative fractions and decimals, follow the order of operations and solve real-world problems.
- 7.NS.A.1: add and subtract rational numbers, using number lines, opposites and distance.
- 7.NS.A.2: multiply and divide rational numbers, including the sign rules.
- 7.NS.A.3: solve real-world and mathematical problems with the four operations on rational numbers.
- 7.EE.B.3: solve multi-step problems with positive and negative numbers in any form.
Other grades: 6th grade · 7th grade
The big idea in grade 7
Grade 7 is the year of operations with negative numbers. Children add and subtract integers on a number line and with zero pairs, and learn that subtracting means adding the opposite (7.NS.A.1).
Next come multiplying and dividing, with the sign rules: same signs give a positive answer, different signs give a negative one (7.NS.A.2).
Finally, every rule is extended to negative fractions and decimals, the rational numbers, and used in multi-step word problems (7.NS.A.3). These rules are the base for all of algebra.
7th grade integer skills, in order
Work down the list. Each lesson explains the idea for parents with pictures and has a quiz for your child.
By the end of grade 7, your child should be able to…
- Add −9 + 5 with chips and with the rule.
- Rewrite 4 − (−3) as an addition and solve it.
- Explain why −3 × (−4) is positive.
- Divide −48 by 6 and check by multiplying.
- Work out −2 + 4 × (−3) in the right order.
- Solve a temperature or money problem with negative numbers.
Unsure where your child is? The integer levels page has a short test for every step from the number line to rational numbers.
A 4-week plan for 7th grade integers
| When | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Zero pairs and adding integers |
| Week 2 | Subtracting integers and distance |
| Week 3 | Multiplying and dividing integers; the sign rules |
| Week 4 | Order of operations, rational numbers and word problems |
Add 5 minutes a day with the integer practice tool. Check answers with the integer calculator, and use the integer number line to see order, opposites and distance.
More for grade 7
All 7th grade math · CBSE class 7: Operations with Integers · 7th grade ratios · Integers quiz for both grades · Integers for kids
What to say to your child
A short script for teaching it the first time. Pause after each line and let your child do the next step.
- “What is −9 + 5?” (−4.)
- “And −9 − 5?” (−14: add the opposite.)
- “What about 9 − (−5)?” (14.)
- “−3 × (−4)?” (12: same signs, positive.)
- “−12 ÷ 4?” (−3: different signs, negative.)
More worked examples
Example 1: add: −12 + 7
Different signs: 12 − 7 = 5, keep the minus: −5.
Example 2: subtract: −3 − (−8)
−3 + 8 = 5.
Example 3: multiply: (−2) × (−3) × (−5)
Three negatives is odd, so −30.
Practice questions (answers below)
Ask these out loud or write them down. Check each answer, and ask “how did you get that?” for one or two.
- −8 + (−6)
- −8 + 6
- 5 − 11
- −5 − (−11)
- −7 × 6
- −42 ÷ (−7)
- 3 − 4 × (−2)
- −1.5 + 4
- It is −3°C and drops 8 degrees.
- Stretch: (−2)³ − (−2)²
Show the answers
- −14
- −2
- −6
- 6
- −42
- 6
- 11
- 2.5
- −11°C
- −12
Common mistakes
How to teach it at home
Five minutes a day
Short daily practice beats long weekend sessions.
Weather watch
Cold-city temperatures are the best integer lesson there is: compare them, order them and find the changes.
Money talk
Track pretend spending and earning, and let the balance go below zero.
By grade
- Before: 6th grade integers
- After: grade 8 math (equations, exponents and slope)
Not sure where to start?
The free 7th grade math check-up tests every grade 7 topic in 18–22 minutes. It shows which topics are solid and which lesson to start with.
Worksheets and practice
Adding and subtracting integers worksheet: printable PDF with an answer key.
Last reviewed
Questions parents ask
What integer skills should a 7th grader know?
Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing integers and rational numbers, the order of operations and word problems with negative numbers.
What is the difference between grade 6 and grade 7 integers?
Grade 6 places, compares and plots integers. Grade 7 calculates with them, using the sign rules for all four operations.
Is there a 7th grade integers quiz?
Yes. The quiz at the top of this page has 10 mixed grade 7 integer questions. Each one is marked straight away, with a hint for every mistake. Play again for a fresh set, or try the integers quiz for both grades.
What is class 7 integers?
Class 7 in India and grade 7 in the US cover similar integer skills, though the order differs. This page lists them in order, starting with zero pairs, adding integers, subtracting integers.
How much integer practice does a 7th grader need?
About 10 minutes a day: 5 minutes on the current skill with the practice tool and 5 minutes of mixed review. Short daily practice works better than long weekly sessions.