Add integers in applications Question Annie lost 2 pounds the first week of her diet. Over the next three weeks, she lost 2 pounds, gained 3 pounds, and then lost 7 pounds. What was the change in her weight over the four weeks?

Annie's weight changes can be totaled like a rollercoaster ride! Starting at -2 pounds, we add her next three weeks: -2 + 2 (no change), +3 (a gain), and -7 (a loss). So, the calculation goes: -2 + 2 = 0, then 0 + 3 = 3, and 3 - 7 = -4. Thus, after four weeks, Annie has experienced a total weight change of -4 pounds, meaning she lost 4 pounds overall. Real-world applications of adding integers can also be seen in finance! Imagine tracking your monthly expenses. If you start with $500 and spend $200 this month, you're left with $300. If you gain $150 next month but also have to spend $80, you can easily track these changes by adding positive and negative amounts, allowing you to maintain a clear picture of your budget!