Adding and Subtracting Integers

When you add integers with the same sign (both positive or both negative), just add the absolute values and keep the sign. For example, -5 + (-3) means adding 5 and 3 to get 8, but keeping the negative sign: -8.

For integers with different signs, subtract the absolute values and use the sign of the larger number. This works like a tug-of-war - the stronger number determines the direction!

Remember This! Adding a negative number is the same as subtracting a positive number. For example: 5 + (-3) is the same as 5 - 3.

When subtracting integers, the key trick is to add the opposite. Change the subtraction to addition and flip the sign of the second number. For example, -5 - 3 becomes -5 + (-3) = -8.

Subtracting negative numbers might feel confusing at first, but remember to change to addition and flip the sign. This means subtracting a negative actually makes your answer larger!