Adding and subtracting integers

When adding and subtracting numbers, you want to remember these basic rules.

First, an important pointer: *No Sign Means Positive If a number has no sign it usually means that it is a positive number. Example: 3 is really +3

Simply Put …… Same Signs = Add Different Signs = Subtract

Same Signs = Add *Your answer will take the sign of the larger number

Different Signs = Subtract *Your answer will take the sign of the larger number

But what happens if negative number has a subtraction sign before it? EXAMPLE: -3 – (-2) If a negative number has a subtraction sign before it, the 2 negative signs will cancel one another out it and become a positive. (two negatives = a positive). Then you follow the same old rule: same signs, add, different signs, subtract. *Your answer will take the sign of the larger number

Let’s test our rules