Wondering how to perform subtraction on integers, don’t worry this page will help you to understand everything that you need to know. This page will explain the rules, procedure, and also few examples. Subtraction represents the value that is been removed from the existing value. For example, if a basket has 4 fruits and now if we remove two fruits from the basket then the basket will be left with only two fruits, this shows subtraction.
Also, refer:
Rules to Subtract Integers | How to Subtract Integers?
If you are familiar with the concept of adding two integers, then I’m sure you can perform subtraction very easily.
While subtracting any integer we need to follow a few simple rules. That is first we need to convert the given subtraction problem into an addition problem. This means we have to convert the subtraction sign into an addition sign.
To covert the subtraction sign into an addition sign we need to follow few steps and following.
- Take the first integer and change its operation from subtraction to addition
- Take the second number and get its opposite sign
- Then finally proceed with the regular addition process
Subtracting Integers Possibilities
Whenever we are adding two integers, we will come across the below-mentioned possibilities.
- Subtracting two positive integers
- Subtracting two negative integers.
- Subtracting one positive integer and one negative integer.
Subtracting Integers Examples
Example 1: Subtracting two positive integers
Solve (5) – (8)
Solution:
Initially, we have to change the operation
That means subtraction becomes an addition
Now we have to change the sign of the second integer
Which gives us 5 – 8 = 5 + (-8)
= -3.
Example 2: Subtracting one positive integer and one negative integer
Solve 15 – (-4)
Solution:
First of all, we have to change the operation
That means subtraction becomes an addition.
Now we have to change the sign of the second integer
Which gives us 15 – (-4) = 15 + (4)
= 19
Example 3: Subtracting one positive integer and one negative integer
Solve -32 – 7
Solution:
First, we have to change the operation
That means subtraction becomes an addition
Now we have to change the sign of the second integer
Which gives us (-32) – (7) = (-32) + (-7)
= -39
Example 4: Subtracting two negative integers.
Solve (-21) – (-3)
Solution:
First, we have to change the operation
That means subtraction becomes an addition
Now we have to change the sign of the second integer
Which gives us (-21) – (-3) = (-21) + (3)
= -18
FAQs on Subtraction of Integers
1. Can we subtract two integers which are having different signs?
Yes, we can subtract two integers having different signs.
2. What is the result for the subtraction of (5) – (-5)?
On subtracting (5) – (-5) we will get the result 10.
3. How do you subtract an integer without a number line?
We can subtract an integer using its absolute value.
4. What happens when you subtract a negative sign from a positive sign?
The given problem will turn into an additional problem.