Lesson 3

Subtraction of
Integers
 Objectives

At the end of this lesson, the learner should be able to

● correctly translate a subtraction expression into an
equivalent addition expression;

● correctly find the difference between two integers; and

● correctly simplify series of operations involving

addition and subtraction of integers.
 Essential Questions

• How is subtraction of integers similar in process with

addition of integers?

• How can you represent and solve application problems

involving subtraction of integers?
 Learn about It!

Minuend
1 the first number in a subtraction; it is the number from which another number is
to be subtracted

Example:

In the expression 9 − (−5), the minuend is 𝟗.

 Learn about It!

2 Subtrahend
the second number in a subtraction; it is the number to be subtracted from
another number

Example:

In the expression 9 − (−5), the subtrahend is −𝟓.

 Learn about It!

3 Subtraction of integers
may be classified into two cases: (a) an integer minus a positive integer and (b) an
integer minus a negative integer

Examples:

The expression −4 − 2 illustrates the first case: an integer

minus a positive integer.

The expression 9 − (−5) illustrates the second case: an

integer minus a negative integer.
 Try It!

Example 1: Subtract: −8 − (5).

 Try It!

Example 1: Subtract: −8 − (5).

Solution:

This illustrates the first case—an integer minus a positive

integer.

1. Copy the minuend.

 Try It!

Example 1: Subtract: −8 − (5).

Solution:

2. Change the subtraction sign

to addition sign.

3. Then change the sign of the

subtrahend
 Try It!

Example 1: Subtract: −8 − (5).

Solution:

4. Proceed to the rules of addition.

−8 + −5 = −13

Therefore, −8 − 5 = −13.
 Try It!

Example 2: Perform the indicated operations:

−7 − −3 + 6.
 Try It!

Example 2: Perform the indicated operations:

−7 − −3 + 6.
Solution: Perform the operation of addition and subtraction
from left to right.

1. Evaluate −7 − (−3) first by following the steps in

subtracting integers.

−7 − −3 = −7 + +3
= −7 + 3
= −4
 Try It!

Example 2: Perform the indicated operations:

−7 − −3 + 6.
Solution: Perform the operation of addition and subtraction
from left to right.

2. Add −4 and 6.

−4 + 6 = + 6 − 4
=+ 6−4
= +2 or 2
Therefore, −7 − −3 + 6 = 2.
 Learn about It!

Note:
Like Signs :
1 + −3 = 1 − 3 = −𝟐 Add and Copy the
Common Sign

−1 + −3 = −1 − 3 = −𝟒 Unlike Signs :
Subtract and Copy
the sign of the
1 − −3 = 1 + 3 = 𝟒 larger Absolute
Value

−1 − −3 = −1 + 3 = 𝟐
 Let’s Practice!

Individual Practice:

1. Subtract: −20 − 30.

2. Perform the indicated operations: −12 + −5 − 11.

 Let’s Practice!

Individual Practice:
1. Subtract: −20 − 30.
−20 − 30 = −𝟐𝟎 − 𝟑𝟎
= −𝟓𝟎

2. Perform the indicated operations: −12 + −5 − 11.

−12 + −5 − 11= −𝟏𝟐 − 𝟓 − 𝟏𝟏

= −𝟏𝟕 − 𝟏𝟏
= −𝟐𝟖
 Let’s Practice!

Group Practice: To be done in groups of five

The average temperature at the North Pole during winter is

− 40℉. The average temperature on the South Pole during
winter is −76℉. How much warmer is the average
temperature at the North Pole than at the South Pole?
Key Points

Minuend
1 the first number in a subtraction; it is the number from which another number is
to be subtracted

2 Subtrahend
the second number in a subtraction; it is the number to be subtracted from
another number

3 Subtraction of integers
may be classified into two cases: (a) an integer minus a positive integer and (b) an
integer minus a negative integer
 Synthesis

● What are the steps in finding the difference of two

integers?

● How can you apply the concept of subtracting integers in

your daily life as a student?

● Is the process of multiplying and dividing integers similar

to how whole numbers are operated?