# Subtracting Integers

Integers are subtracted in the same fashion as whole numbers, except that certain rules should be applied.

• If you subtract negative integer from positive then just add numbers ignoring any minuses, i.e color(blue)(a-(-b)=a+b).
• If you subtract positive integer from negative, add numbers ignoring any minuses and then place minus in front of result, i.e. color(green)(-a-b=-(a+b)).

Example 1. Find 46-(-21).

46-(-21)=46+21=67.

So, 46-(-21)=67 .

Next example.

Example 2. Find -35-21.

-35-21=-(35+21)=-56.

So, -35-21=-56 .

Example 3. Find 23-51.

23-51=-28.

Another example.

Example 4. Find -48-(-19).

-48-(-19)=-48+19=19-48=-29.

So, -48-(-19)=-29 .

Final example shows how to subtract more than two integers.

Example 5. Find -48-(-45)-34.

We do such problems step-by-step.

First find -48-(-45). -48-(-45)=-48+45=-3.

Now we are left with -3-34. -3-34=-(3+34)=-37.

So, -48-(-45)-34=-37 .

Now, it's your turn. Take pen and paper and solve following problems.

Exercise 1. Find 36-(-21).

Exercise 2. Find -57-60.

Exercise 3. Find 100-69.

Exercise 4. Find -45-(-60).

Exercise 5. Find 65-(-34)-(-35)-21-(-45)-100.