Solve the Integer Expression: 5-6+12-2 Step by Step

Q: Why can't I just add all the positive numbers first?

Because order of operations requires you to work left to right with addition and subtraction. Grouping by signs works for some problems by accident, but will give wrong answers in others!

Q: What if I get confused with the negative numbers?

Think of subtraction as adding a negative. So $ 5 - 6 + 12 - 2 $ becomes $ 5 + (-6) + 12 + (-2) $. Then work left to right!

Q: How do I keep track of positive and negative results?

Write down each step: $ 5 - 6 = -1 $, then $ -1 + 12 = 11 $, finally $ 11 - 2 = 9 $. Don't skip steps - they prevent errors!

Q: Is there a shortcut for these problems?

Yes! You can rearrange and group terms: $ (5 + 12) + (-6 - 2) = 17 - 8 = 9 $. But learn the left-to-right method first!

Integer Operations with Sequential Addition and Subtraction

$5-6+12-2=$

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Understand the problem

$5-6+12-2=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve $5-6+12-2$ :

Start with the first operation: $5 - 6 = -1$ .
Next, add 12: $-1 + 12 = 11$ .
Finally, subtract 2: $11 - 2 = 9$ .

So, the correct answer is $9$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Order: Work left to right with addition and subtraction operations
Technique: Group operations: 5 - 6 = -1, then -1 + 12 = 11
Check: Verify by calculating backwards: 9 + 2 = 11, 11 - 12 = -1, -1 + 6 = 5 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding all positive numbers and subtracting all negative numbers separately
Don't calculate 5 + 12 = 17, then 6 + 2 = 8, then 17 - 8 = 9 by grouping signs! This accidentally gives the right answer but breaks order of operations. Always work strictly left to right with addition and subtraction.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 8 - 2 + 6 = $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add all the positive numbers first?

Because order of operations requires you to work left to right with addition and subtraction. Grouping by signs works for some problems by accident, but will give wrong answers in others!

What if I get confused with the negative numbers?

Think of subtraction as adding a negative. So $5 - 6 + 12 - 2$ becomes $5 + (-6) + 12 + (-2)$ . Then work left to right!

How do I keep track of positive and negative results?

Write down each step: $5 - 6 = -1$ , then $-1 + 12 = 11$ , finally $11 - 2 = 9$ . Don't skip steps - they prevent errors!

Is there a shortcut for these problems?

Yes! You can rearrange and group terms: $(5 + 12) + (-6 - 2) = 17 - 8 = 9$ . But learn the left-to-right method first!

What if my answer is negative?

Negative answers are completely normal! If you get a negative result, double-check your work by substituting back or using the reverse operations.

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