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Chapter 1: Integers

NCERT Exercise 1.1 to 1.3 — Complete Solutions as per CBSE Marking Scheme 2026-27

📌 Key Concepts & Properties Summary
  • Integers (ℤ (Integers)): The set {..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...} containing whole numbers and their negatives.
  • Addition & Subtraction Properties:
    • Closure: a + b and a - b are always integers.
    • Commutative: a + b = b + a. (Note: a - b ≠ b - a).
    • Associative: (a + b) + c = a + (b + c).
    • Additive Identity: a + 0 = a = 0 + a. Additive inverse of a is -a.
  • Multiplication Properties:
    • Rules of Signs: (+) × (+) = (+), (-) × (-) = (+), (+) × (-) = (-), (-) × (+) = (-).
    • Distributive Property over Addition: a × (b + c) = (a × b) + (a × c).
    • Distributive Property over Subtraction: a × (b - c) = (a × b) - (a × c).
    • Multiplicative Identity: a × 1 = a. Product with zero: a × 0 = 0.
  • Division of Integers:
    • (-a) ÷ b = a ÷ (-b) = -(a ÷ b) when b ≠ 0.
    • (-a) ÷ (-b) = a ÷ b.
    • Division by 0 is meaningless (a ÷ 0 is undefined); 0 ÷ a = 0 (a ≠ 0); a ÷ 1 = a.
Exercise 1.1
Q1
Write down a pair of integers whose: (a) sum is −7, (b) difference is −10, (c) sum is 0.
3 Marks
✅ CBSE Standard Answer
(a) Sum is −7:
Let the two integers be −4 and −3.
Verification: (−4) + (−3) = −4 − 3 = −7.
(Another valid pair: −10 and 3, since −10 + 3 = −7).
(b) Difference is −10:
Let the two integers be −12 and −2.
Verification: (−12) − (−2) = −12 + 2 = −10.
(Another valid pair: 2 and 12, since 2 − 12 = −10).
(c) Sum is 0:
Any integer and its additive inverse.
Let the integers be 5 and −5.
Verification: 5 + (−5) = 5 − 5 = 0.
CBSE Marking Scheme 2026-27
Part (a): Stating a valid pair with verification1 Mark
Part (b): Stating a valid pair with subtraction step1 Mark
Part (c): Stating additive inverse pair with sum verification1 Mark
Q2
(a) Write a pair of negative integers whose difference gives 8.
(b) Write a negative integer and a positive integer whose sum is −5.
(c) Write a negative integer and a positive integer whose difference is −3.
3 Marks
✅ CBSE Standard Answer
(a) Pair of negative integers with difference 8:
Let the negative integers be −2 and −10.
Calculation: (−2) − (−10) = −2 + 10 = 8.
(b) Negative integer and positive integer with sum −5:
Let the negative integer be −7 and the positive integer be 2.
Calculation: (−7) + 2 = −5.
(c) Negative integer and positive integer with difference −3:
Let the negative integer be −1 and the positive integer be 2.
Calculation: (−1) − (+2) = −1 − 2 = −3.
CBSE Marking Scheme 2026-27
Part (a): (−2) − (−10) = 8 with signs shown1 Mark
Part (b): (−7) + 2 = −51 Mark
Part (c): (−1) − 2 = −31 Mark
Q3
In a quiz, team A scored −40, 10, 0 and team B scored 10, 0, −40 in three successive rounds. Which team scored more? Can we say that we can add integers in any order?
2 Marks
✅ CBSE Standard Answer
Step 1: Total score of Team A:
Total score of Team A = (−40) + 10 + 0 = −30.
Step 2: Total score of Team B:
Total score of Team B = 10 + 0 + (−40) = 10 − 40 = −30.
Step 3: Comparison & Order Property:
Both teams scored −30. Hence, both teams scored equally; neither team scored more.
Yes, we can add integers in any order due to the Commutative and Associative Properties of addition.
CBSE Marking Scheme 2026-27
Calculating both total scores accurately (−30 each)1 Mark
Affirmative answer stating commutative property1 Mark
Q4
Fill in the blanks to make the following statements true:
(i) (−5) + (−8) = (−8) + (.....)
(ii) −53 + ..... = −53
(iii) 17 + ..... = 0
(iv) [13 + (−12)] + (.....) = 13 + [(−12) + (−7)]
(v) (−4) + [15 + (−3)] = [(−4) + 15] + (.....)
3 Marks
✅ CBSE Standard Answer
(i) (−5) + (−8) = (−8) + (−5)   [Commutative property: a + b = b + a]
(ii) −53 + 0 = −53   [Additive identity: a + 0 = a]
(iii) 17 + (−17) = 0   [Additive inverse: a + (-a) = 0]
(iv) [13 + (−12)] + (−7) = 13 + [(−12) + (−7)]   [Associative property]
(v) (−4) + [15 + (−3)] = [(−4) + 15] + (−3)   [Associative property]
CBSE Marking Scheme 2026-27
Each correct fill-in-the-blank with underlying property0.6 Mark each (Total 3 Marks)
Exercise 1.2
Q1
Find each of the following products:
(a) 3 × (−1)
(b) (−1) × 225
(c) (−21) × (−30)
(d) (−316) × (−1)
(e) (−15) × 0 × (−18)
(f) (−12) × (−11) × (10)
(g) 9 × (−3) × (−6)
(h) (−18) × (−5) × (−4)
(i) (−1) × (−2) × (−3) × 4
(j) (−3) × (−6) × (−2) × (−1)
4 Marks
✅ CBSE Standard Answer
(a) 3 × (−1) = −3  [(+) × (−) = (−)]
(b) (−1) × 225 = −225
(c) (−21) × (−30) = +(21 × 30) = 630  [(−) × (−) = (+)]
(d) (−316) × (−1) = 316
(e) (−15) × 0 × (−18) = 0  [Any number multiplied by 0 is 0]
(f) (−12) × (−11) × 10 = 132 × 10 = 1320
(g) 9 × (−3) × (−6) = 9 × 18 = 162
(h) (−18) × (−5) × (−4) = 90 × (−4) = −360  [3 negative signs ⇒ result is negative]
(i) (−1) × (−2) × (−3) × 4 = [2] × [−12] = −24
(j) (−3) × (−6) × (−2) × (−1) = 18 × 2 = 36  [4 negative signs ⇒ result is positive]
CBSE Marking Scheme 2026-27
Sign rule correct application2 Marks
All 10 numerical values accurately computed2 Marks
Q2
Verify the following:
(a) 18 × [7 + (−3)] = [18 × 7] + [18 × (−3)]
(b) (−21) × [(−4) + (−6)] = [(−21) × (−4)] + [(−21) × (−6)]
3 Marks
✅ CBSE Standard Answer
(a) Verification of Distributive Property:
LHS = 18 × [7 + (−3)] = 18 × [7 − 3] = 18 × 4 = 72.
RHS = [18 × 7] + [18 × (−3)] = 126 + (−54) = 126 − 54 = 72.
Since LHS = RHS = 72, the statement is verified.
(b) Verification:
LHS = (−21) × [(−4) + (−6)] = (−21) × [−10] = 210.
RHS = [(−21) × (−4)] + [(−21) × (−6)] = 84 + 126 = 210.
Since LHS = RHS = 210, the statement is verified.
CBSE Marking Scheme 2026-27
Part (a): LHS = 72 and RHS = 72 shown with conclusion1.5 Marks
Part (b): LHS = 210 and RHS = 210 shown with conclusion1.5 Marks
Q3
Find the product using suitable properties:
(a) 26 × (−48) + (−48) × (−36)
(b) 8 × 53 × (−125)
(c) 15 × (−25) × (−4) × (−10)
(d) (−41) × 102
(e) 625 × (−35) + (−625) × 65
(f) 7 × (50 − 2)
(g) (−17) × (−29)
(h) (−57) × (−19) + 57
4 Marks
✅ CBSE Standard Answer
(a) 26 × (−48) + (−48) × (−36):
Take common factor (−48) using Distributive Property:
= (−48) × [26 + (−36)] = (−48) × (−10) = 480.
(b) 8 × 53 × (−125):
Regroup using Associative & Commutative Property:
= [8 × (−125)] × 53 = (−1000) × 53 = −53000.
(c) 15 × (−25) × (−4) × (−10):
Group (−25) × (−4) = 100:
= 15 × 100 × (−10) = 1500 × (−10) = −15000.
(d) (−41) × 102:
Write 102 = 100 + 2:
= (−41) × (100 + 2) = (−41 × 100) + (−41 × 2) = −4100 − 82 = −4182.
(e) 625 × (−35) + (−625) × 65:
Rewrite (−625) × 65 = 625 × (−65):
= 625 × [(−35) + (−65)] = 625 × (−100) = −62500.
(f) 7 × (50 − 2):
= (7 × 50) − (7 × 2) = 350 − 14 = 336.
(g) (−17) × (−29):
Write −29 = −30 + 1:
= (−17) × (−30 + 1) = [(−17) × (−30)] + [(−17) × 1] = 510 − 17 = 493.
(h) (−57) × (−19) + 57:
Note that (−57) × (−19) = 57 × 19 and 57 = 57 × 1:
= 57 × [19 + 1] = 57 × 20 = 1140.
CBSE Marking Scheme 2026-27
Stating property name (Distributive / Regrouping)1.5 Marks
Accurate step-by-step simplification for all parts2.5 Marks
Exercise 1.3
Q1
Evaluate each of the following:
(a) (−30) ÷ 10
(b) 50 ÷ (−5)
(c) (−36) ÷ (−9)
(d) (−49) ÷ (49)
(e) 13 ÷ [(−2) + 1]
(f) 0 ÷ (−12)
(g) (−31) ÷ [(−30) + (−1)]
(h) [(−36) ÷ 12] ÷ 3
(i) [(−6) + 5] ÷ [(−2) + 1]
3 Marks
✅ CBSE Standard Answer
(a) (−30) ÷ 10 = −30/10 = −3
(b) 50 ÷ (−5) = −50/5 = −10
(c) (−36) ÷ (−9) = +36/9 = 4
(d) (−49) ÷ 49 = −1
(e) 13 ÷ [(−2) + 1] = 13 ÷ (−1) = −13
(f) 0 ÷ (−12) = 0  [Zero divided by any non-zero integer is 0]
(g) (−31) ÷ [(−30) + (−1)] = (−31) ÷ (−31) = 1
(h) [(−36) ÷ 12] ÷ 3 = (−3) ÷ 3 = −1
(i) [(−6) + 5] ÷ [(−2) + 1] = (−1) ÷ (−1) = 1
CBSE Marking Scheme 2026-27
Sign rule in division accurately applied1.5 Marks
Correct evaluation of nested brackets1.5 Marks
Q2
Verify that a ÷ (b + c) ≠ (a ÷ b) + (a ÷ c) for each of the following values of a, b and c:
(a) a = 12, b = −4, c = 2
(b) a = (−10), b = 1, c = 1
3 Marks
✅ CBSE Standard Answer
(a) When a = 12, b = −4, c = 2:
LHS = a ÷ (b + c) = 12 ÷ [(−4) + 2] = 12 ÷ (−2) = −6.
RHS = (a ÷ b) + (a ÷ c) = [12 ÷ (−4)] + [12 ÷ 2] = (−3) + 6 = 3.
Since −6 ≠ 3, LHS ≠ RHS. Verified that division is not distributive over addition!
(b) When a = −10, b = 1, c = 1:
LHS = (−10) ÷ (1 + 1) = (−10) ÷ 2 = −5.
RHS = [(−10) ÷ 1] + [(−10) ÷ 1] = (−10) + (−10) = −20.
Since −5 ≠ −20, LHS ≠ RHS. Verified!
CBSE Marking Scheme 2026-27
Part (a): LHS = −6, RHS = 3, LHS ≠ RHS1.5 Marks
Part (b): LHS = −5, RHS = −20, LHS ≠ RHS1.5 Marks
Q3
An elevator descends into a mine shaft at the rate of 6 m/min. If the descent starts from 10 m above the ground level, how long will it take to reach −350 m?
3 Marks
✅ CBSE Standard Answer
Step 1: Determine total distance to descend:
Initial position = +10 m (above ground).
Final position = −350 m (below ground).
Total distance = 10 − (−350) = 10 + 350 = 360 m.
Step 2: Calculate time taken:
Speed of descent = 6 m/min.
Time taken = Distance/Speed = 360/6 = 60 minutes = 1 hour.

Final Answer: The elevator will take 1 hour (60 minutes) to reach −350 m.

CBSE Marking Scheme 2026-27
Distance formulation: 10 − (−350) = 360 m1.5 Marks
Time = 360/6 = 60 min = 1 hour with unit1.5 Marks
🎯 Competency-Based Questions (CBQ) & HOTS CBSE Board Exam Pattern
Case Study: Temperature Variation
Scenario: In a cold storage plant, the temperature at 12:00 noon was 10°C above zero. It decreases at a rate of 2°C per hour until midnight. (i) At what time would the temperature be 8°C below zero? (ii) What would be the temperature at midnight?

(i) Time when temperature is 8°C below zero (−8°C):
Initial temp = +10°C; Target temp = −8°C.
Total drop in temp = 10 − (−8) = 18°C.
Rate of drop = 2°C/hour.
Time taken = 18 ÷ 2 = 9 hours.
Time = 12 noon + 9 hours = 9:00 PM.

(ii) Temperature at midnight (12:00 AM):
Time duration from 12 noon to 12 midnight = 12 hours.
Drop in temperature = 12 × 2°C = 24°C.
Temp at midnight = 10 − 24 = −14°C.

⚡ Assertion & Reason
Assertion (A): The product of an odd number of negative integers is always negative.
Reason (R): Two negative signs pair up to produce a positive sign, leaving one unpaired negative sign when the count is odd.
Choose: (a) Both A and R are true and R is correct explanation of A. (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not correct explanation. (c) A is true, R is false. (d) A is false, R is true.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Every pair of negative integers gives a positive product: (−) × (−) = (+). For an odd count 2k + 1, the k pairs give (+), and multiplying with the remaining negative integer yields (+) × (−) = (−).