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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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