Subtracting Integers

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$Basic Operations$

Subtracting Integers: At a Glance

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Introduction to Subtracting Integers:

Subtraction is the mirror opposite of addition. The most important thing to know is that

subtracting a positive = adding a negative

and

subtracting a negative = adding a positive

Got it? Don't worry, we'll explain.

Try to visualize this by looking at the example (-3) - (-7).

Start with three minuses (- - -).
Now, try to take away (subtract) seven negatives. Oops, there are only three available.
So, we'll need to add pairs of pluses and minuses (Zero Pairs). They'll cancel each other out.
In order to have seven negatives to take away, we must add at least four zero pairs.

initial numbers etc. table

Now we can take away seven negatives. Four positives remain and that's your answer, +4. Do not worry if you added too many zero pairs. If you have extra pairs remaining, just remember that each pair of positives and negatives make zero.

Examples

Table of Examples

Subtracting Using a Number Line

Since subtraction is the opposite of addition, move in the opposite direction.

To subtract a positive, move left
To subtract a negative, move to the right

For the example 4 – 7, start at the +4. Now jump 7 places to the left, in the negative direction. We land on (-3).

4 - 7 Number line

Examples

Number Line(3)

6 – (-2) Start at 6. Jump 2 places to the right. You land on the answer, +8.	-4 – (-4) Start at –4. Jump 4 places to the right. You land on the answer, 0.
-5 – (3) Start at -5. Jump 3 places to the left. You land on the answer, -8.	4 – 10 Start at +4. Jump 10 places to the left. You land on the answer, -6.

Rule of Subtraction: Add the Opposite


	Add The Opposite. Change the subtraction sign to addition and change the second number to the opposite sign.
	Then follow the rules of addition.

Look Out: many students make the mistake of changing the sign of the first number in the problem. This will result in an incorrect answer, so be sure to always change the sign of the second number.