im having a hard time understanding how to add and subtract integers
Study these sites to see if they help you.
http://mathforum.org/dr.math/faq/faq.integers.html
http://www.gomath.com/algebra/negative.php
If you post a couple of problems with your answers, we'll be glad to help you understand them.
Adding and subtracting integers can be a bit challenging at first, but with some practice and understanding of the rules, it can become easier. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you out:
1. Understanding positive and negative numbers:
- Positive numbers are greater than zero (+1, +2, +3, etc.).
- Negative numbers are less than zero (-1, -2, -3, etc.).
- Zero is neither positive nor negative.
2. Addition of integers:
- When adding two positive numbers, simply add them together (e.g., 2 + 3 = 5).
- When adding two negative numbers, simply add them together and put a negative sign in front of the sum (e.g., -2 + -3 = -5).
- When adding a positive and a negative number, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value, then use the sign of the number with the larger absolute value (e.g., 2 + (-3) = -1).
3. Subtraction of integers:
- To subtract an integer, change the sign of the number you want to subtract and then add it. This can be done by adding the opposite (or the additive inverse) of the number (e.g., 4 - 3 = 4 + (-3) = 1).
- Another way to think of subtraction is by adding the opposite of the number you want to subtract (e.g., 4 - 3 = 4 + (-3) = 4 + (-3)).
4. Some additional rules to keep in mind:
- Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number (e.g., 5 - (-3) = 5 + 3 = 8).
- Adding or subtracting zero does not change the value of a number (e.g., 5 + 0 = 5 and 5 - 0 = 5).
It's important to practice solving problems to build your understanding and familiarity with adding and subtracting integers. If you have specific problems you'd like help with, please provide them, and we'll guide you through the process.
Adding and subtracting integers can be challenging at first, but with practice and understanding of a few key concepts, it becomes much easier. Here are some steps to help you grasp the process:
1. Understanding positive and negative numbers: Integers include both positive and negative whole numbers, as well as zero. Positive numbers are greater than zero, while negative numbers are less than zero.
2. The number line: Visualizing a number line can be helpful. Place zero at the center, with positive numbers to the right and negative numbers to the left. The distance from zero to a number represents its magnitude.
3. Addition of integers: To add two integers, start by observing the signs. If both numbers have the same sign, add their magnitudes and use the common sign for the result. If the signs are different, subtract the smaller magnitude from the larger magnitude and use the sign of the number with the larger magnitude. For example:
- Positive + positive = positive
- Negative + negative = negative
- Positive + negative or negative + positive = subtract the smaller magnitude from the larger magnitude and assign the sign of the number with the larger magnitude.
4. Subtraction of integers: Subtraction of integers can be thought of as adding the opposite of a number. To subtract an integer, change the subtraction to addition and change the sign of the number being subtracted. Then, follow the rules for addition mentioned earlier. For example:
- Positive - positive = positive
- Negative - negative = negative
- Positive - negative or negative - positive = add the opposite of the number being subtracted using the rules of addition.
5. Practice problems: To further understand adding and subtracting integers, it's helpful to solve practice problems. Here are a few examples:
a) -5 + 3 = The signs are different, so subtract the smaller magnitude (3) from the larger magnitude (5) and use the sign of the larger magnitude. The answer is -2.
b) -10 + (-7) = The signs are the same, so add their magnitudes and use the common sign. The answer is -17.
c) 6 - (-2) = Change the subtraction to addition and change the sign of the number being subtracted. The problem becomes 6 + 2. Since the signs are the same, add their magnitudes and use the common sign. The answer is 8.
By reviewing the suggested websites and practicing with various examples, you will gradually become more comfortable and proficient with adding and subtracting integers.