Adding and subtracting integers
You already know how to add 3 + 4 and so on. But there are many ways to add integers. One way to add integers is by using a number line.
Example
$$ -4+(-3)=\, ?$$
We always start at zero. Our first number is negative four (-4) so we move 4 units to the left. We then have plus negative three (-3) which is the same as subtracting 3 so we move 3 more units to the left. This gives us the value of negative seven, (-7).
$$-4+(-3)=\, ?$$
$$-4-3=-7$$
We do the same thing if we have a positive integer, but instead we move to the right.
$$-4+3=\, ?$$
$$-4+3=-1$$
You can also add integers and variables.
Example
$$13x+(-2)x=\, ?$$
$$13x-2x=$$
$$(13-2)x=11x$$
When subtracting something from something we wish to find out the difference between the two numbers. When you subtract a negative number from any number the difference is even bigger. The distance from the seabed at a depth of 150ft and an airplane flying at 3000ft altitude at sea level is
$$3000-(-150) = 3000 + 150 = 3150ft.$$
Thus when we subtract negative numbers, we get:
$$4-(-3) = 4 + 3 = 7$$
Subtracting −3 is the same as adding 3.
If we have a plus sign before the parentheses then we will not change the signs within the parentheses
If we have a minus sign before the parentheses then we the signs within the parentheses will change.
Two negatives make one positive!
Video lesson
Calculate -3 + (-6) on a number line