Addition and Subtraction of Integers
Addition and Subtraction of Integers
The addition represents the values added to the existing value. For example, a basket has two
balls, and if we add more than 2 balls to it, there will be four balls in total. Similarly, if there
are four balls in a basket and if we take out two balls out of it, then the basket is left with only
two balls, which shows subtraction.
Addition and subtraction are not only used for integers but also rational numbers and
irrational numbers. Therefore, both the operations are applicable for all real numbers and
complex numbers. Also, the addition and subtraction algebraic expressions are done based on
the same rules while performing algebraic operations.
Also, read:
Integers
Multiplication Division Integers
Operations Of Integers
Addition and Subtraction Worksheets
Addition of Integers
The three main possibilities in the addition of integers are:
Whenever a positive number and a negative number are added, the sign of the greater number
will decide the operation and sign of the result. In the above example 10 + (-15) = -5 and (-
10) + 15 =5; here, without sign 15 is greater than 10 hence, numbers will be subtracted and
the answer will give the sign of the greater number.
We know that the multiplication of a negative sign and a positive sign will result in a
negative sign, therefore if we write 10 + (-5), it means the ‘+’ sign here is multiplied by ‘-’
inside the bracket. Therefore, the result becomes 10 – 5 = 5.
Alternatively, to find the sum of a positive and a negative integer, take the absolute value
(“absolute value” means to remove any negative sign of a number, and make the number
positive) of each integer and then subtract these values. Take the above example, 10 + (-15);
absolute value of 10 is 10 and -15 is 15.
⇒ 10 – 15 = -5
Note: The sum of an integer and its opposite is always zero. (For example, -5 + 5= 0)
Subtraction of Integers
Like in addition, the subtraction of integers also has three possibilities. They are:
For ease of calculation, we need to renovate subtraction problems the addition problems.
There are two steps to perform this and are given below.
2. After converting the sign, take the inverse of the number which comes after the sign.
Once the transformation is done, follow the rules of addition given above.
⇒ (-5) + (7)
Step 2: Take the inverse of the number which comes after the sign
⇒ –5 + (-7) (opposite of 7 is -7)
Commutative property: Even if the order of addition is changed, the total of any 2 integers
is the same.
Associative property: The grouping of the integers does not matter when the total of 3 or
more integers is computed.
Additive identity: When the sum of zero with any integer is taken, the resultant answer is an
integer. The additive identity is the integer zero.
For instance, 0 + 15 = 15
Additive inverse: For each integer, when an integer is added to that integer results in 0. The
two converse integers are termed additive inverse of one another.
For instance, 9 + (- 9) = 0.
Commutative property: The difference between any two given integers changes when the
order is reversed.
For example, 6 – 3 = 3 but 3 – 6 = – 3.
So, 6 – 3 ≠ 3 – 6
Associative property: In the method of subtraction, there is a change in the result if the
grouping of 3 or more integers changes.
Multiplication of Integers
In addition and subtraction, the sign of the resulting integer depends on the sign of the largest
value. For example, -7+4 = -3 but in the case of multiplication of integers, two signs are
multiplied together.
Rules:
When two positive integers are multiplied then the result is positive.
When two negative integers are multiplied then also the result is positive.
But when one positive and one negative integer is multiplied, then the result is negative.
When there is no symbol, then the integer is positive.
Solved Examples
Example 1: Evaluate the following:
1. (-5 )+ 9
2. (-1) – ( -2)
Solution:
1. (-5 )+ 9 = 4 [Subtract and put the sign of greater number]
2. (-1) – ( -2)
Hence,
(-1) – ( -2) = 1
Solution: -10 and -19 are both negative numbers. So if we add them, we get the sum in
negative, such as;
-10 + 19 = 19 -10 = 9
9 – 10 -5 + 6
= 9 + 6 – 10 -5
= 15 – 15
=0
(ii) 0 + 11
(iii) 38 + (-22) + 19
(iv) (-40) + 33
(i) 8 – 9
(ii) (- 5) – 9
(iii) 6 – (- 8)
(iv) (- 4) – (- 6)
(v) (- 2) – (- 4) – (- 6)
Practice Problems
1. Add -5 and -10.
2. Subtract 20 from 10.
3. Find the sum of 12 and 13.
4. Find the difference between 40 and 30.
To solve more problems on the topic, integers addition and subtraction worksheet can be
downloaded on BYJU’S – The Learning App from Google Play Store and watch interactive
videos. Also, take free tests to practise for exams. To study about other topics, visit BYJU’S
and browse through thousands of interesting articles.