Add/Subtract Integers
Add and subtract positive and negative integers. Learn integer arithmetic with examples.
Supports: + - ( ) and negative numbers
Try:
How to Use
- Select the operation (add, subtract, multiply, divide)
- Enter the first integer (can be negative)
- Enter the second integer
- Click "Calculate" to see the result and explanation
What is Add/Subtract Integers?
Integers include all whole numbers, both positive and negative, plus zero. Working with integers requires understanding sign rules: when to add, when to subtract, and how signs affect multiplication and division results.
Formula
Integer Rules:
Addition: Same signs → add, keep sign. Different → subtract, keep larger's sign.
Subtraction: a - b = a + (-b)
Multiplication/Division: Same signs → positive. Different signs → negative.
Examples
- (-5) + (-3) = -8 (same signs, add)
- 7 + (-4) = 3 (different signs, subtract)
- (-6) × (-2) = 12 (same signs, positive)
- (-15) ÷ 3 = -5 (different signs, negative)
FAQ
Why does subtracting a negative give a positive?
Subtracting a negative is like adding a positive. Think of it as 'taking away a debt' - if you remove $5 of debt, you gain $5. So 3 - (-5) = 3 + 5 = 8.
Why does negative × negative = positive?
Think of -1 as 'opposite.' Multiplying by -1 flips the sign. So (-1) × (-1) means 'the opposite of -1' which is +1. This pattern extends to all negative numbers.
What about zero?
Zero is neither positive nor negative. Any number times zero is zero. You cannot divide by zero (undefined). Zero added to any number gives that number.