Addition & Subtraction of Integers explained through a friendly whiteboard conversation, examples, visuals, and practice for school students.
Step 1
Notes
Step 2
Formulae
Step 3
Examples
Step 4
Practice
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Integers are positive whole numbers, negative whole numbers, and zero.
Adding and subtracting integers helps with temperature, money changes, heights below sea level, and algebra.
A number line is the easiest way to understand the signs.
On a number line, numbers to the right are greater. Numbers to the left are smaller.
Adding a positive number moves right. Adding a negative number moves left.
Subtracting a number means adding its opposite. This rule makes integer subtraction easier.
The sign of the answer depends on direction and distance from zero.
Meaning: Integers include negative whole numbers, zero, and positive whole numbers.
Definition: Opposite integers have the same distance from zero but different signs.
Meaning: Integer addition combines signed numbers.
Definition: Same signs add absolute values. Different signs subtract absolute values.
- means move 5 steps right fro, ending a.
Meaning: Integer subtraction finds the difference between signed numbers.
Definition: Subtracting an integer means adding its opposite.
becomes because the opposite o i.
Meaning: A number line shows movement for integer operations.
Definition: Right movement increases value. Left movement decreases value.
Start at the first number, then move according to the operation and sign.
Easy
Question: Fin.
Medium
Question: Find .
Exam-level
Question: The temperature wa C in the morning. It rose by 8 C and then fell by 6 C. What is the final temperature?
Forgetting that subtracting a negative becomes addition
Why it happens: Two signs appear together and feel confusing.
Correct approach: Rewrite subtraction as adding the opposite first.
Adding absolute values for different signs
Why it happens: Students see addition and add immediately.
Correct approach: For different signs, subtract absolute values and keep the sign of the larger absolute value.
Dropping brackets around negative numbers
Why it happens: The expression is copied too quickly.
Correct approach: Use brackets, such as , until signs are clear.
Why i positive?
You move 8 steps right fro and pass zero, ending at 5.
What is the opposite o?
The opposite i.
Is zero an integer?
Yes. Zero is an integer, but it is neither positive nor negative.
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