CLASS-7
SUBTRACTION OF INTEGERS

SUBTRACTION OF INTEGERS -

Subtraction of integers follows a simple rule:

"Subtracting an integer is the same as adding its opposite."

This means:   a − b = a + (−b)

We convert subtraction into addition by changing the sign of the second number.

Steps for Subtracting Integers:-

1. Change the subtraction to addition by adding the opposite of the second number.
2. Follow the rules of integer addition to solve.

Examples

1. Subtracting a Positive Integer:-

                7 − 3 = 7 + (−3) = 4

         (Same as 7 minus 3, which gives 4.)

               −5 − 2 = −5 + (−2) = −7

         (Adding two negative numbers results in a more negative number.)

2. Subtracting a Negative Integer:-

                6 − (−4) = 6 + 4 = 10

         (When subtracting a negative, it becomes addition.)

               −3 − (−7) = −3 + 7 = 4 

         (Adding 7 to -3 gives 4.)

3. Special Cases:-

• Subtracting Zero:-   A number minus zero remains the same. 

             5 − 0 = 5

• A Number Minus Itself:-   Always results in zero. 

          −8 − (−8) = −8 + 8 = 0