How can we use the concept:
You can add and subtract integers. To do this you would follow the basic rules of addition and subtraction. Remember that integers can be positive, negative, or zero.
You will need to remember the following rules when adding integers:
- If the signs are the same then add the numbers together and keep the same sign in the answer (6) + (3)= 9 (-6) + (-3)= -9
- If the signs are different then subtract the numbers and use the sign from the larger number in the answer (-6) + (3)= -3 (6) + (-3) = 3
You will need to remember the following rules when subtracting integers:
- If you are subtracting a larger number from a smaller number then your answer will be negative. (4) - (6) = -2
- If you are subtracting a smaller number from a larger number then your answer will be positive. (6) - (4) = 2
- If you are subtracting a negative number from a positive number then you will add your numbers together instead of subtracting and your answer will be positive. (6) - (-4) =10
- If you are subtracting a positive number from a negative number then you will add the number together instead of subtracting and your answer will be negative. (-6) - (4)=-10
- If you are subtracting a negative number from a negative number then you will need to switch the sign to addition and the second negative number becomes a positive. (-6) - (-10) becomes (-6) + (10). Then subtract the numbers and use the sign from the larger number in the answer. (-6)- (-10) =4
You can multiply and divide integers as well.
You will need to remember the following rules when multiplying and dividing integers:
- If the signs are the same then you will multiply or divide as usual and the answer will be positive.
- If the signs are different then you will multiply or divide as usual and the answer will be negative.
You can also order integers from least to greatest or greatest to least.
Sample Math Problems
Question
Solve the equation: (-28) + (16)= ?
Solution
First you would look at the signs of each number. Since this is an addition problem and the signs of each number are opposite you would need to subtract. 28-16=12
Then you would take the sign from the larger number out of 28 and 16. Since 28 is larger and it has the negative sign, your answer will be negative.
So (-28) + (16)= -12
Question
Solve the equation: (-128) - (-563)= ?
Solution
First you would need to switch the sign to addition and the second negative number becomes a positive since you are subtracting a negative number from a negative number. (-128) + (563)
Then you will subtract the numbers. 563-128= 435
Finally you will take the sign from the larger number to go with your answer.
So (-128) - (-563)= 435
Question
Solve the equation: (-585) ➗ (3)= ?
Solution
First you would divide like normal. 585 ➗ 3 = 195.
Since both numbers have different signs, then your answer will be negative. So (-585) ➗ (3)= -195
Question
(-63) x (-7) = ?
Solution
First you would multiply like normal. 63 x 7 = 441.
Since both the numbers have the same sign, your answer will be positive. So (-63) x (-7) = 441.
