Subtract Integers
Some people see subtracting integers as daunting task, but fear not! With a few simple steps, you’ll be subtracting like a pro and crushing those math problems in no time. Here are some simple steps to follow when subtracting integers:
1. Understand what integers are: Integers are whole numbers, including zero, and their negative counterparts. Negative integers are numbers less than zero.
Example problem: -3 – 5
2. Identify the operation: The example problem above is a subtraction problem because of the minus sign (-).
-3 – 5
3. Determine the order of the integers: Look at the integers in the problem and determine which is larger. The larger integer goes first in the subtraction. -5 is the larger integer because it is farther away from zero on the number line. So, we write -5 first.
-3 – 5 will be rewritten as -5 – 3
4. Find the difference: We subtract the smaller integer from the larger integer. Ignore the signs for now:
|-5| – |3| = 5 – 3 = 2
5. Determine the sign of the answer: If the larger integer was positive and the smaller integer was negative, the answer will be positive. If the larger integer was negative and the smaller integer was positive, the answer will be negative. If both integers have the same sign, subtract the absolute values and keep the sign. Since the larger integer is negative and the smaller integer is positive, the answer will be negative.
6. Write the answer: Write the answer with the correct sign and simplify if possible. The answer is -2.
-3 – 5 = -5 – 3 = -2
7. Practice, practice, practice! The more you practice subtracting integers, the easier it will become. You can use online resources or worksheets to help you practice.
P.S.: You can also use a number line to subtract integers!
