Addition and Subtraction of Integers: Rules & Examples

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Arpita Srivastava

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Addition and subtraction of integers are the most common arithmetic operations that are used to increase or decrease a number. Integers are a set of numbers that include all the non-fractional numbers, such as the positive number, negative number, and zero. 

  • Addition and subtraction of integers involve putting addition and subtraction operators in between.
  • Adding two positive integers will result in positive integers.
  • On the other hand, adding two negative integers results in the sum with a negative sign.
  • When two different signed integers are added, that will result in subtraction only.
  • The sign of the result will be the same as the larger number. 
  • In order to add and subtract signed integers, we can also make use of the number line. 
  • For example- [- . . . . . .-5, -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,. . . . . . . . ] is a set of integers.

Key Terms: Addition and Subtraction of Integers, Integers, Arithmetic Operation, Addition, Subtraction, Fraction, Positive Numbers, Rules for Addition or Subtraction, Multiplication of Integers


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Addition and subtraction are the two primary arithmetic operations in Maths. However, apart from these two operations, multiplication and division are also two primary operations. 

  • Addition involves the summation of two or more numbers, giving the total value of the numbers.
  • On the other hand, the operation of subtraction is the opposite of addition.
  • Subtraction involves the reduction of two or more numbers, giving the reduced value of the numbers.
  • Addition and subtraction are also used for rational and irrational numbers.
  • For this reason, both operations are applicable to all real and complex numbers. 
  • Addition is denoted by + sign, and subtraction is denoted by – sign.
  • Also, while performing algebraic operations, the addition and subtraction algebraic expressions are done based on the same rules.

Example of Addition and Subtraction

Example: For instance, if a basket has six mangoes, and if we add 2 more mangoes to it, there will be eight mangoes in total. Likewise, if there are six mangoes in a basket and we take two mangoes out of it, then the basket will be left with four mangoes, which shows subtraction.

Addition and Subtraction of Integers

Addition and Subtraction of Integers

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Rules for Addition and Subtraction

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Integers include all the numbers from a number line except the fractional numbers. Talking about the rules and regulations, it is the same in the case of natural numbers as well as integers.

  • The addition of two numbers involves addend + addend = sum. 
  • Subtraction of two numbers involves minuend subtrahend = difference.
  • Addition and subtraction of integers include positive and negative signs.
  • The rules are divided into three categories.

Negative Sign and Positive Sign

The integers which we add or subtract can be positive or negative. Therefore, it is important to know the rules for positive and negative symbols.

  • Positive sign/symbol: (+)
  • Negative sign/symbol: (-)

Rules for Addition of Integers

Different conditions under which we perform the addition operation are as follows:

Addition of two Positive Numbers

In this case two integers are positive and they are put under addition operation. The result is a positive value, just like the addition of whole numbers.

(+a)+(+b) = (a+b)

Example of Addition of two Positive Numbers

Example: 3+5 = 8

Addition of Negative Numbers

When two integers are of negative sign, and they need to be added. In that case, add both the numbers and put a negative sign in front of it.

(-a)+(-b) = -(a+b) 

Example of Addition of Negative Numbers

Example: (-3)+(-4)=(-7)

Addition of one Positive and one Negative Number

If you have one integer that is positive and another one that is negative, then take the difference between the numbers and put the sign of the greater number.

(a+(-b)) = (a-b)

Example of Addition of one Positive and One Negative Number

Example: 4+(-6)=(-2)

Addition of Integers

Addition of Integers 

The rules of addition of integers are tabulated below:

Types of Numbers

Operation Applied

Final Result

Example

( + ) + ( + )

Addition

Positive ( + )

9 + 8 = 17

( - ) + ( - ) 

Addition

Negative ( - ) 

(- 4 ) + (- 5 ) = (- 9)

( - ) + ( + )

Subtraction

Positive ( + )

( - 2 ) + ( 8 ) = 6

( + ) + ( - )

Subtraction

Negative ( - ) 

( 8 ) + ( - 10 ) = (- 2)

Rules for Subtraction of Integers

The different conditions under which the subtraction operation takes place-

Subtraction of two Positive Numbers

In this case, two integers are positive, and they are put under subtraction operation. The result is a positive or negative value, just like the subtraction of whole numbers.

(+a)-(+b)=a + (-b)

Example of Subtraction of two Positive Numbers

Example: 3-6=-3

Subtraction of two Negative Numbers

If both the integers are negative, they need to go under subtraction. In that case, subtract both the numbers and put the sign of the greater number.

(-a)-(-b)= -a + (+b)

Example of Subtraction of two Negative Numbers

Example: (-2)-(-7)= 5

Subtraction of one Positive and one Negative Number

When one of the integers is positive, and the other is negative, both integers are subtracted. It involves the addition of two numbers and reversing the sign of two numbers with a subtraction sign.

a-(-b)=a + (+b) or -a-(+b) =-a + (-b)

Example of Subtraction of one Positive and one Negative Number

Example: 4-(-7)= 11

Subtraction of Integers

Subtraction of Integers 

The rules for subtraction of integers are tabulated below:

Types of Numbers

Operation Applied

Final Result

Example

( + ) - ( + )

Subtraction

Positive / Negative

9 - 8 = 1

( - ) - ( - ) 

Subtraction

Negative / Positive 

(- 4 ) - (- 5 ) = 1

( - ) - ( + )

Subtraction

Negative ( - )

( - 2 ) - ( 8 ) = (-10)

( + ) - ( - )

Addition

Positive ( + ) 

( 8 ) - ( - 10 ) = (18 )


Properties of Addition and Subtraction

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The properties of addition and subtraction is divided into two categories which are as follows:

Properties of Addition

The properties of addition are as follows:

Closure Property

Closure Property involves addition of two integers is an integer.

Commutative Property

If we have two numbers, a and b, then the total of any two integers is the same even if their order of addition is changed.

Associative Property

If we have three numbers, a, b and c, then the total of any three integers is the same even if their order of addition is changed.

Additive Integer

It involves the addition of an integer with zero, which will give an integer as an answer.

Properties of Subtraction

The propertoes of subtraction are as follows:

Closure Property

The subtraction of two integers is an integer.

Commutative Property

If we have two numbers, a and b, then the total of any two integers is the same even if their order of subtraction is changed. This is commutative property.

Associative Property

If we have three numbers, a, b and c, then the total of any three integers is the same even if their order of subtraction is changed.


Multiplication of Integers

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The sign of the resulting integer depends on the sign of the largest value in addition and subtraction.

Example of Multiplication of Integers

Example:  -7+4 = -3, but in the case of the multiplication of integers, two signs are multiplied together. 

The rules of multiplication of integers are as follows:

(+) × (+) = +

Plus x Plus = Plus

(+) x (-) = –

Plus x Minus = Minus

(-) × (+) = –

Minus x Plus = Minus

(-) × (-) = +

Minus x Minus = Plus

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Things To Remember

  • Addition and subtraction of integers are fundamental operations of mathematics.
  • The sign of the addition operation is +, and the sign of the subtraction operation is -.
  • The addition of two numbers gives the sum of two numbers.
  • Subtraction of two numbers determines the difference between two numbers.
  • In addition, negative and positive signs play an important role, so you need to be careful while doing the operations. 
  • Make sure that you follow all the basic rules and regulations discussed above in the article to avoid any confusion and wrong answers. 

Sample Questions

Ques: Evaluate the following terms: (3 marks)

  1.  11 + 15
  2. ( - 8 ) - ( 13 )
  3. ( + 34 ) + ( - 29 )

Ans: The process is as follows:

  1. We have been given-
  • 11 + 15
  • It is a simple addition of positive integers same as the natural numbers.
  • 26
  1. We have been given-
  • ( - 8 ) - ( 13 )
  • Here, we are provided with a negative operation, but we can notice that the integer after the operation has a positive sign.
  • We have to resolve the signs first. When a negative number is multiplied by a positive one, we get a negative value.
  • - 8 - 13
  • Now, we have two integers having the same signs. So, we need to add them and the sign of the resultant value will also be negative.
  • - 21
  1. We have been given-
  • ( + 34 ) + ( - 29 )
  • Here, we have an additional operation, but we can notice that the integer after the operation has a negative sign. So, we need to solve the signs first. When a positive number is multiplied by a negative one, we get a negative value.
  • 34 - 29 [Positive x Negative = Negative]
  • We can see that now it has turned out to be the simplest subtraction method.
  • 5

Ques: Evaluate the following: (2 marks)

  1. (- 8 ) + 9
  2. (-1) – ( -5)

Ans: The process is as follows:

  1. We have been provided the equation-
  • (- 8 ) + 9
  • - 8 + 9

Here, we have a positive integer and one negative integer. So, all we need to do is to subtract both of them. The resultant value will have a positive sign because the greater number has a positive sign.

  • 1
  1. We have been provided with the equation-
  • (-1) - (-5)

Here, we can see that the operation is subtraction, but after the operation sign, there is a negative integer. So, we need to first solve both the signs. 

  • (-1) + 5 [Negative x Negative = Negative]

Now, we are left with one negative and another positive integer so we have to do subtraction. The sign of the resultant value will be positive because the greater number, which is 5, has the positive sign.

  • 4

Ques: Add -54 and 60. (2 marks)

Ans: We need to add (-54) and 60

Then, we can write it as-

(-54) + 60

Here we have one negative integer and one positive integer. Now, even if the original operation says to do addition, we have to do subtraction because these two terms have different signs i.e., positive and negative.

 = -54 + 60 = 6

Ques: Subtract -50 from -67. (2 marks)

Ans: We need to subtract (-50) from (-67). So, we can write it as-

(-67) - (-50)

We have come across a negative-negative sign encounter, and we all know that Negative x Negative = Positive. So, we will get-

= (-67) + 50

= -67 + 50

The resultant value will have a negative sign because the greater number out of the two has a negative sign.

Ques: Find the difference between 70 and 54. (2 marks)

Ans: We have been asked to find the difference between 70 and 54.

When we have been asked to find the difference, it means that we need to subtract the smaller number from the greater one. So, we will get the equation as-

70 - 54 = 16

Ques: Imagine you leave for the stationery shop with 100 bucks in your pocket, and you need to buy some things for your new project. You buy a pencil worth 5 bucks, a chart paper worth 10 bucks, some colors worth 30 bucks, and some other stuff worth 20 bucks. How much money is left in your pocket. (4 marks)

Ans: Money in the pocket initially = 100

Bought a pencil worth = 5

Bought chart paper worth = 10 

Bought colors worth = 30

Bought other stuff worth = 20

Money left in the pocket = 100 - 5 - 10 - 30 - 20

Here, we will assign the money spent with a negative sign because they are benignly taken out being spent.

First, we will add all the negative integers. So, we will get-

= 100 - 65

= 35

So, you will leave with 35 bucks in your pocket after spending all the money.

Ques: Evaluate (- 40) + 10 - (-54) + 80 - (+60) + (-32). (3 marks)

Ans: We have been given-

(- 40) + 10 - (-54) + 80 - (+60) + (-32)

= (- 40) + 10 - (-54) + 80 - (+60) + (-32)

= - 40 + 10 + 54 + 80 - 60 - 32

Now, we need to add all the like terms and simplify it.

= -132 + 144

= 12

Ques: A plane is flying at the height of 3500 feet above sea level. A point comes when it is exactly above a submarine that is 500 feet below sea level. Find the vertical distance between them. (3 marks)

Ans: The height at which the plane is flying = 3500 feet.

The depth of the submarine = -500 feet 

We will take the distance of the submarine from the sea level as negative because it is below sea level.

Now we need to subtract both the integers so that we can get the right vertical distance.

= 3500 -(-500)

= 3500 + 500 

= 4000 feet

Therefore, the vertical distance between the airplane and the submarine is 4000 feet.

Ques: Selena bought 16 chocolates. She ate 6 and gave 3 to her mom. How many chocolates does she have left. (2 marks)

Ans: She ate 6 chocolates so,

  • 16-6=10,
  • She gave 3 to her mom, now
  • 10-3= 7 
  • Selena has 7 chocolates left with her.

Ques: John daily travels 3 km on rickshaw and 6 km by bus. Then he walks 750m to school. How much distance does he travel to reach school. (2 marks)

Ans: Total distance travelled= distance travelled by rickshaw distance travelled by bus distance travelled on foot 

Total distance= 3 + 6 + 0.75 (750 m converted to km)

Ans- 9.75 kms

Ques: Rachel goes to the market and buys groceries of 300 and clothes of 400 and has a pastry for 60. How much did she spend in total. (2 marks)

Ans: Total money spent= cost of groceries + cost of clothes + cost of pastry 

300 + 400 + 60 = 760.

Rachel spent 760 on shopping.


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CBSE X Related Questions

1.

Prove the following identities, where the angles involved are acute angles for which the expressions are defined:\(\frac{(\text{1 + tan² A})}{(\text{1 + cot² A})} = (\frac{\text{1 - tan A }}{\text{ 1 - cot A}})^²= \text{tan² A}\)

      2.
      The angle of elevation of the top of a building from the foot of the tower is 30° and the angle of elevation of the top of the tower from the foot of the building is 60°. If the tower is 50 m high, find the height of the building.

          3.
          Which of the following pairs of linear equations are consistent/inconsistent? If consistent, obtain the solution graphically: (i) \(x + y = 5\),\( 2x + 2y = 10\) (ii)\( x – y = 8 , 3x – 3y = 16\) (iii) \(2x + y – 6 = 0\) , \(4x – 2y – 4 = 0\) (iv) \(2x – 2y – 2 = 0,\) \( 4x – 4y – 5 = 0\)

              4.

              The following frequency distribution gives the monthly consumption of electricity of 68 consumers of a locality. Find the median, mean and mode of the data and compare them

              Monthly consumption 
              (in units)

               Number of consumers

              65 - 85 

              4

              85 - 105

              5

              105 - 125

              13

              125 - 145

              20

              145 - 165

              14

              165 - 185

              8

              185 - 205

              4

                  5.

                  Form the pair of linear equations for the following problems and find their solution by substitution method.

                  (i) The difference between two numbers is 26 and one number is three times the other. Find them.

                  (ii) The larger of two supplementary angles exceeds the smaller by 18 degrees. Find them.

                  (iii) The coach of a cricket team buys 7 bats and 6 balls for Rs 3800. Later, she buys 3 bats and 5 balls for Rs 1750. Find the cost of each bat and each ball.

                  (iv) The taxi charges in a city consist of a fixed charge together with the charge for the distance covered. For a distance of 10 km, the charge paid is Rs 105 and for a journey of 15 km, the charge paid is Rs 155. What are the fixed charges and the charge per km? How much does a person have to pay for travelling a distance of 25 km.

                  (v) A fraction becomes\(\frac{ 9}{11}\), if 2 is added to both the numerator and the denominator. If, 3 is added to both the numerator and the denominator it becomes \(\frac{5}{6}\). Find the fraction.

                  (vi) Five years hence, the age of Jacob will be three times that of his son. Five years ago, Jacob’s age was seven times that of his son. What are their present ages?

                      6.
                      A 1.5 m tall boy is standing at some distance from a 30 m tall building. The angle of elevation from his eyes to the top of the building increases from 30° to 60° as he walks towards the building. Find the distance he walked towards the building.

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