Integer Subtraction Sample Problems

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

Integer Subtraction

This topic will be easier if you know how to add integers.
To review the Integer Addition topic, see here.

This topic covers the subtraction of positive and negative numbers.
Subtraction is the opposite of addition. Their movement on the number line is also the opposite.

Movement on the Number Line
	Positive Integer	Negative Integer
Add	right	left
Subtract	left	right

Notice:
• Subtracting negative integers = Adding positive integers
• Adding negative integers = Subtracting positive integers

Positive - Positive

3 - 5

a. Start at ⁺3 on the number line

b. From ⁺3, move 5 to the left to subtract ⁺5

You end up at ^-2

3 - 5 = ^-2

Notice that 3 - 5 = 3 + ^-5

Positive - Negative

1 - ^-2

a. Start at ⁺1 on the number line

b. From ⁺1, move 2 to the right to subtract ^-2
You end up at ⁺3

1 - ^-2 = 3

Notice that 1 - ^-2 = 1 + 2

Negative - Positive

^-1 - 3

a. Start at ^-1 on the number line

b. From ^-1, move 3 to the left to subtract ⁺3
You end up at ^-4

^-1 - 3 = ^-4

Notice that ^-1 - 3 = ^-1 + ^-3

Negative - Negative

^-3 - ^-4

a. Start at ^-3 on the number line

b. From ^-3, move 4 to the right to subtract ^-4
You end up at ⁺1

^-3 - ^-4 = 1

Notice that ^-3 - ^-4 = ^-3 + 4

a.	Start at ⁺3 on the number line
b.	From ⁺3, move 5 to the left to subtract ⁺5
	You end up at ^-2

a.	Start at ⁺1 on the number line
b.	From ⁺1, move 2 to the right to subtract ^-2
	You end up at ⁺3

a.	Start at ^-1 on the number line
b.	From ^-1, move 3 to the left to subtract ⁺3
	You end up at ^-4

a.	Start at ^-3 on the number line
b.	From ^-3, move 4 to the right to subtract ^-4
	You end up at ⁺1