Learn integers step by step
Learn integers in 10 levels, from the number line to the four operations, rational numbers and word problems, with a 5-question test for each level.
🧒 Kids: tap Start level ▶ and get 4 of 5 right to pass. Can you reach level 10? 🏆
Which level for which grade?
There are 10 levels, from the number line to rational numbers and word problems. Each level has short lessons and a 5-question test; get 4 right to pass. Progress is saved on this device, so your child can come back and carry on.
| Level | Skill | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The number line | 6 |
| 2 | Integers in real life | 6 |
| 3 | Opposites and absolute value | 6 |
| 4 | Compare and order | 6 |
| 5 | Zero pairs and adding | 6–7 |
| 6 | Subtracting | 7 |
| 7 | Multiply and divide | 7 |
| 8 | Order of operations | 7 |
| 9 | Coordinates and distance | 6 |
| 10 | Rationals and stories | 7 |
How to use the levels
- Find the starting level. Take the tests from level 1 until your child scores under 4. That is the level to work on.
- Learn it. Open the Learn links for that level: each lesson has pictures, a parent script and practice.
- Practice for a few days. Use the quizzes on the lesson pages and the integer practice tool.
- Retake the test. 4 out of 5 passes the level. Move on to the next one.
Level 5, zero pairs and adding, is the one to take slowly. Subtracting, and later the sign rules, both build on it.
Why the levels are in this order
Each level uses the one before it. The number line and real-life integers (levels 1 and 2) give children a picture and a meaning for negative numbers.
Opposites, absolute value and comparing (levels 3 and 4) teach how negatives behave. Adding and subtracting (levels 5 and 6) turn that into calculation, and multiplying and dividing (level 7) add the sign rules.
The last three levels put everything to work: the order of operations, the coordinate plane, rational numbers and word problems. A child stuck at a high level usually has a gap lower down, very often level 5 or 6.
Tools that help with every level
The integer number line plots numbers, shows opposites and absolute value, and measures distances. It helps with levels 1 to 4 and 9. The integer calculator shows number line jumps, chips and sign rules, which helps with levels 5 to 8.
Thermometers, lifts and money are the best real-life models. Confident times tables matter too, so keep the multiplication practice going for level 7.
More integer practice
- Integers quiz for grades 6 and 7.
- Integer practice by skill.
- Integer calculator with steps.
- Printable integer worksheets.
For teachers
The levels work on a projector for a whole-class warm-up. Progress is saved only in each device’s browser, so no login or student data is needed. On shared computers, use Reset my progress at the end of the lesson.
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.
- Level 1: the dot is 4 left of 0
- Level 2: owing $6
- Level 3: |−11|
- Level 4: least of −2, −8, 3
- Level 5: −7 + 3
- Level 6: 2 − (−5)
- Level 7: −36 ÷ (−4)
- Level 8: (−3)² − 4
- Level 9: quadrant of (−2, 5)
- Level 10: −2.5 + 1
Show the answers
- −4
- −6
- 11
- −8
- −4
- 7
- 9
- 5
- II
- −1.5
Common mistakes
How to teach it at home
Level chart
Print a chart of 10 boxes and colour one each time a level is passed.
Celebrate
A small reward at levels 5 and 10.
Weather and money
Temperatures and pretend bank balances make any integer level easier.
By grade
Check every topic at once
The free math check-up tests every topic of one grade in 10 to 20 minutes. It shows which topics are solid and where to start practicing. Levels you pass here also appear on your progress page.
More for each grade: Grade 6 math and the CBSE class 6 maths guide; Grade 7 math and the CBSE class 7 maths guide.
Worksheets and practice
Adding and subtracting integers worksheet: printable PDF with an answer key. · Make a fresh test
Last reviewed
Questions parents ask
How do you learn integers step by step?
Start with the number line and real-life negatives, then opposites, absolute value and comparing. Next come adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, then order of operations, the coordinate plane and rational numbers.
What is the hardest part of learning integers?
Usually subtracting negatives and keeping the sign rules for adding and multiplying apart. Levels 5 to 7 focus on these.
How long does it take to learn integers?
Integers are spread over grades 6 and 7. Most children move through about five levels a year with short daily practice.
Is progress saved?
Yes, passed levels are saved in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent to us.
Should my child know times tables before integers?
Yes, for level 7. Multiplying and dividing integers uses the same facts, with a sign rule added.