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7. Subtraction of integers

Rules for subtracting two integers

First, change the sign of the subtrahend(second number) into the opposite.

Then,change the operation from subtraction to addition.

Finally, apply the addition rule for integers.

Example:

1. Subtract

$2$ from

$-5$ .

Step 1: The opposite of

$2$ is

$-2$ . Change

$2$ into

$-2$ .

$(-5) - (-2)$ .

Step 2: Now, change the operation subtraction into addition.

$(-5) + (-2)$ .

Step 3:

$-5$ and

$-2$ both the numbers have the same signs. Thus, add the integers and keep the sign same.

$(-5) + (-2) = -7$ .

Therefore,

$(-5) - 2 = (-5) + (-2) = -7$ .

2. Find the difference of the integers

$(-16)$ and

$(-14)$ .

Step 1: The opposite of

$-14$ is

$14$ . Change

$-14$ into

$14$ .

$(-16) - (14)$ .

Step 2: Now, change the operation subtraction into addition.

$(-16) + (14)$ .

Step 3:

$-16$ and

$14$ both having different signs.

Now, by the addition rule, subtract the integers and put a larger number sign.

$(-16) + 14 = -2$ .

Therefore,

$(-16) - (-14) = (-16) + (14) = -2$ .

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7. Subtraction of integers

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