Subtract directed numbers
Objective. Subtract integers, including subtracting a negative.
- 1. Learn
- 2. Worked example
- 3. Practice
- 4. Feedback
- 5. Continue
Learn: the key idea
Subtracting a positive number moves left on the number line, but subtracting a negative number moves right, because taking away a debt leaves you better off. So 5 − (−3) = 5 + 3 = 8, and −2 − (−6) = −2 + 6 = 4. A useful rule: two minus signs next to each other become a plus.
Worked example
Subtract the directed numbers: work out 5 − (−3) and −2 − (−6).
- 1Subtracting a negative is the same as adding the positive.
- 25 − (−3) = 5 + 3 = 8.
- 3−2 − (−6) = −2 + 6.
- 4Start at −2 and move 6 right: 4.
Answer: 8 and 4
Concept mastery
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Practice
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Start practisingCommon mistake. A very common mistake is treating 5 − (−3) as 5 − 3 = 2. Rewrite subtracting a negative as adding the positive before you calculate.
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