Algebra 1 : How to subtract integers

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Algebra 1

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Real Numbers

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 .

Example Question #32 : Real Numbers

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

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

As indicated by the order of operations, we will work from the left to the right. 

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.

Next we finish the subtraction. 

The answer is .

Example Question #33 : Real Numbers

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

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

As indicated by the order of operations, we will work from the left to the right. 

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.

Next we finish the subtraction. 

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 #41 : Real Numbers

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

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

As indicated by the order of operations, we will work from the left to the right. 

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

Next we finish the subtraction. 

The answer is .

Example Question #42 : Real Numbers

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

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

As indicated by the order of operations, we will work from the left to the right. 

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

Next we finish the subtraction. 

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

The answer is .

Example Question #41 : Integer Operations

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

We have two positive numbers being subtracted. Subtract normally. Answer is .

Example Question #42 : Integer Operations

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When a minus sign and a minus sign meet, it becomes an addition problem. Add normally. Answer is .

Example Question #43 : Integer Operations

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When a minus sign and a minus sign meet, it becomes an addition problem. Add normally. Answer is .

Example Question #44 : Integer Operations

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When a minus sign and a minus sign meet, it becomes an addition problem. Since  is greater than  and is positive, our answer is positive. We treat as a normal subtraction. Answer is .

Example Question #45 : Integer Operations

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This is the same as adding two negative numbers. When adding with another negative number, just treat as an addition problem and then add a negative sign in front. Answer is .

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors