Algebra 1 : How to subtract integers

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Algebra 1

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : How To Subtract Integers

What is 4 – (–3)? 

Possible Answers:

7

1

12

-1

-7

Correct answer:

7

Explanation:

When subtracting integers, it is important to remember to add the inverse of the second number. In this case 4 – (–3), turns into 4 + (+3), which is 7. 

4 – (–3)

4 + 3

7

Example Question #2 : How To Subtract Integers

Evaluate the following:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When you subtract integers, it is the same thing as adding the inverse of the second integer. You can consider the following:

You can also consider the problem as asking for six less than negative four. This will also get you to the answer of

Example Question #3 : How To Subtract Integers

Evaluate the following:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When you subtract integers, it is the same thing as adding the inverse of the second integer. You can consider the following:

Example Question #3 : How To Subtract Integers

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This is a simple subtraction problem involving two positive numbers.

 is greater than ; therefore, we will treat this operation as a normal subtraction problem.

The answer is .

Example Question #4 : How To Subtract Integers

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This is a simple subtraction problem involving two positive numbers.

 is greater than ; therefore, we will treat this operation as a normal subtraction problem.

The answer is .

Example Question #4 : How To Subtract Integers

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This is a simple subtraction problem involving two positive numbers.

The numbers are the same with diferent signs; therefore, their difference is .

Example Question #6 : How To Subtract Integers

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This is a complex subtraction problem involving two negative numbers.

Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number. Rewrite.

Since  is greater than  and is positive, the answer is positive. We will treat this operation as a subtraction problem.

The answer is .

Example Question #7 : How To Subtract Integers

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This is a complex subtraction problem involving two negative numbers.

Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number. Rewrite.

Since  is greater than  and is negative, the answer is negative. We will treat this operation as a subtraction problem.

The answer is .

Example Question #36 : Integer Operations

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This is a complex subtraction problem involving two negative numbers.

Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number. Rewrite.

The numbers are the same with diferent signs; therefore, their difference is .

Example Question #8 : How To Subtract Integers

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This is a complex subtraction problem involving a positive and a negative number.

Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number. Rewrite.

We have an addition problem now.

The answer is .

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