Integer Addition
 

 

   Integer Subtraction:

Replace the subtraction sign with a plus sign.

Attach the replaced subtraction sign to the number to the right.

Work the problem as if it was an addition problem.

 

Special case... if you attach the subtraction sign to a number that is negative, you end up adding ....  example: -  (-2) becomes + 2

The following are examples of Subtracting integers.

Subtraction Integers
  Replace the minus with a plus and attach the minus to the right number. If the signs are the same, ADD the numbers together and use the sign of the original numbers. If the signs are different, SUBTRACT the numbers, and use the sign of the number with the larger absolute value.
 
 
      
5 - (-6) 5 + 6 11 since original added numbers were positive  
-5 - 6 -5 + (-6) -11 since original added numbers were negative  
       
6 - 15 6 + (-15)   -9 since 15 is biggest
9 - 2 9 + (-2)   7 since 9 is biggest
-7 - (-6) -7 + 6   -1 since 7 is biggest
-4 - (-11) -4 + 11   7 since 7 is biggest

Did you notice that 'a negative of a negative' becomes a positive; example:   - (- 4 ) = +4

Check Your Understanding

Convert the following SUBTRACTION problems into addition problems:

 1)   -6 - 6

 2)   6 - 14

 3)   14 - (-5)

 4)   -23 - (-7)

 

Check Your Understanding

Experiment with subtracting integers ....

  1. Enter two numbers between -1000 and 1000.
  2. Think of what you believe the answer should be.
  3. Click the button "Check" and check your answer.

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