Using Rules to Subtract Integers
To subtract an integer… ADD it’s OPPOSITE!
Let’s look at 2 – 5; Rewrite 2 – 5 to 2 + (–5). Now use addition rules.
Different Signs Find the difference (subtract) the two absolute values. The sum (answer) keeps the sign of the integer with the greatest absolute value.
2 + (–5) |–5| – |2| = 5 – 2 =3 More negatives, right? = –3
Here’s another one. 2 – (–5) Rewrite 2 – (–5) to 2 + 5 2 + 5 = 7
Subtracting is the same as ADDING the OPPOSITE! 7 – 8 = 7 + (–8) which equals –1 9 – (–9) = 9 + 9 which equals 18
Adding a negative number is the same as SUBTRACTING the OPPOSITE of the number! 7 + (–8) = 7 – 8 which equals –1 15 + (–8) = 15 – 8 which equals 7
Now you try!