How to Add and Subtract Integers

Integers are whole numbers, both positive and negative. Adding and subtracting integers is a fundamental mathematical operation. Here's how you can add and subtract integers:

1. Adding Integers: When you add two integers with the same sign, you add their absolute values and give the result the same sign as the original integers. For example:

- When you add 3 + 4, you get 7. - When you add -3 + (-4), you get -7.

When you add two integers with different signs, you subtract their absolute values and give the result the sign of the larger integer. For example:

- When you add 3 + (-4), you subtract 4 from 3, giving you -1. - When you add -3 + 4, you subtract 3 from 4, giving you 1.

2. Subtracting Integers: Subtracting integers is very similar to adding integers. To subtract an integer, you can add its opposite. For example:

- To subtract 4 from 7, you can add -4 to 7, giving you 3. - To subtract -4 from 7, you can add 4 to 7, giving you 11.

Keep in mind the following rules:

- When subtracting two integers with different signs, you add their absolute values and give the result the sign of the larger integer. - When subtracting two integers with the same sign, you subtract their absolute values and give the result the same sign as the original integers.

Remember that adding and subtracting integers is simply a matter of combining numbers according to their signs. With practice, you'll be able to do it quickly and easily.