adding-and-subtracting-integers MCQs for UPSC Prelims

26 practice questions on adding-and-subtracting-integers from the The Other Side of Zero section of the UPSC Prelims syllabus. 26 come with a written explanation. Try the sample set below - the answer stays hidden until you ask for it.

6 Easy 13 Medium 7 Hard

Sample questions

Q1
hard
Starting at $-2$ on the number line, which move lands on $-9$?
  1. A $7$ steps to the right
  2. B $11$ steps to the left
  3. C $7$ steps to the left
  4. D $9$ steps to the left
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C - $7$ steps to the left

Going from $-2$ to $-9$ means decreasing by $7$, which is $7$ steps left. Moving right would increase the value, and $9$ steps left would reach $-11$.
Q2
medium
What is $(-12) + 12$?
  1. A $-24$
  2. B $0$
  3. C $12$
  4. D $24$
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B - $0$

An integer and its opposite cancel exactly, so the sum is $0$. Answering $24$ ignores the minus sign and adds the sizes.
Q3
easy
Subtracting an integer is the same as
  1. A multiplying by $-1$ and then subtracting
  2. B ignoring its sign
  3. C adding its opposite
  4. D adding the same integer
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C - adding its opposite

The rule $a - b = a + (-b)$ turns every subtraction into an addition. Adding the same integer would give a different answer, and signs may never simply be ignored.
Q4
easy
What is $13 + (-13)$?
  1. A $26$
  2. B $-26$
  3. C $0$
  4. D $13$
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C - $0$

An integer and its opposite are the same distance from zero on opposite sides, so they cancel exactly to give $0$. Answering $26$ ignores the minus sign.
Q5
medium
What is $(-4) + 9$?
  1. A $13$
  2. B $-13$
  3. C $-5$
  4. D $5$
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D - $5$

Starting at $-4$ and moving $9$ steps right passes zero after $4$ steps and continues $5$ more, landing on $5$. Answering $-5$ reverses the sign, and $13$ ignores the minus.
Q6
easy
The temperature falls from $3^\circ$C by $5$ degrees. What is the new temperature?
  1. A $-8^\circ$C
  2. B $-2^\circ$C
  3. C $2^\circ$C
  4. D $8^\circ$C
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B - $-2^\circ$C

A fall means subtracting, so $3 - 5 = -2^\circ$C. The first $3$ degrees bring it to zero and the remaining $2$ take it below.
Q7
medium
What is $0 - (-7)$?
  1. A $-7$
  2. B $0$
  3. C $7$
  4. D $14$
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C - $7$

Subtracting $-7$ means adding $7$, so $0 - (-7) = 7$. Answering $-7$ treats the double minus as a single one.
Q8
easy
On a number line, start at $1$ and move $4$ steps to the left. Where do you land?
  1. A $-3$
  2. B $3$
  3. C $5$
  4. D $-5$
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A - $-3$

Moving left means subtracting, so $1 - 4 = -3$. The move passes zero and continues three steps beyond it.

Practice all 26 adding-and-subtracting-integers questions free

Timed practice, instant scoring, and explanations for every question. Free forever - no card, no catch.

Start practicing I am a teacher - create a test