Subtract a Positive Integer

1 Find 9 - 12.
9 - 12 = 9 + (-12) To subtract 12, add -12.
= -3 Add.

2 Find -6 - 8.
-6 - 8 = -6 + (-8) To subtract 8, add -8.
= -14 Add.

Subtract.
a. 3 - 8 b. -5 - 4 c. 10 - 7

Subtract a Negative Integer

3 Find 7 - (-15).
7 - (-15) = 7 + 15 or 22 To subtract -15, add 15.

4 CHEMISTRY The melting point of mercury is about -39°C and

the melting point of aluminum is about 660°C. Find the difference
between these temperatures.
660 - (-39) = 660 + 39 or 699 To subtract -39, add 39.
The difference between the temperatures is about 699°C.

Subtract.
d. 6 - (-7) e. -5 - (-19) f. -14 - (-2)

Personal Tutor at ca.gr7math.com

Evaluate Algebraic Expressions

Common Error
In Example 5, a Evaluate each expression if a = 9, b = -8, and c = -2.
common error is to 5 14 - b
replace b with 8
instead of its correct 14 - b = 14 - (-8) Replace b with -8.
value of -8. Prevent
this error by inserting = 14 + 8 or 22 To subtract -8, add 8.
a set of parentheses
before replacing b 6 c - a2
with its value.
14 - b = 14 - ( ) c - a2 = -2 - 92 Replace c with -2 and a with 9.
= 14 - (-8) = -2 - 81 Simplify 92.
= -2 + (-81) or -83 To subtract 81, add -81.

Evaluate each expression if x = -5 and y = 7.

g. x - (-8) h. -3 - y i. y2 - x + 3

Extra Examples at ca.gr7math.com Lesson 1-5 Subtracting Integers 47