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Here are some tips for Positive Integer Subtraction, which aligns with Arizona state standards:

Positive Integer Subtraction

This topic covers the subtraction of positive numbers.
Understanding this topic will help you with the Integer Subtraction topic.


Example 1: Subtracing a larger value

5 - + 7 =

5 - + 7 = 5 - 7
= - (7 - 5)

Step 1. Subtract: larger - smaller
    7 - 5 = 2
Step 2. Add negative sign to answer in Step 1
    2 →  -2
5 - + 7 =


Example 2: Subtracing from a negative

- 5 - + 7 =

- 5 - + 7 = - 5 - 7
= - (5 + 7)

Step 1. Add
    5 + 7 = 12
Step 2. Add negative sign to answer in Step 1
    12 →  -12
- 5 - + 7 =


Example 3: Subtracting multiple positive numbers

3 - + 4 - + 1 - + 6 =

3 - + 4 - + 1 - + 6 = 3 - 4 - 1 - 6
= 3 - (4 + 1 + 6)
= 3 - 11
= - (11 - 3)
Follow the steps in Example 1:

Step 1. Subtract: larger - smaller
    11 - 3 = 8
Step 2. Add negative sign to answer in Step 1
    8 →  -8
3 - + 4 - + 1 - + 6 =

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