What Are Integers?
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Integers are a special group of numbers that include all the positive whole
numbers, all the negative whole numbers, and zero. They’re like the whole
numbers’ bigger family, adding their negative cousins to the mix.
* Positive integers: 1, 2, 3, 4, …
* Negative integers: -1, -2, -3, -4, …
* Zero: 0
Integers do not include fractions (like ½) or decimals (like 3.5).
Adding and Subtracting Integers
When you’re working with integers, you can think of a number line.
* When you add a positive integer, you move to the right on the number
line.
* When you subtract a positive integer, you move to the left on the number
line.
* When you add a negative integer, you move to the left on the number line.
* When you subtract a negative integer, you move to the right on the
number line.
Let’s look at some examples:
4 + (-7) = -3
Start at 4 and move 7 units to the left. You land on -3.
-2 – 5 = -7
Start at -2 and move 5 units to the left. You land on -7.
-3 – (-8) = 5
Subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive. So, this is the
same as -3 + 8. Start at -3 and move 8 units to the right. You land on 5.
Multiplying and Dividing Integers
The rules for multiplying and dividing integers are based on their signs.
Positive \times Positive = Positive
3 \times 4 = 12
* Negative \times Negative = Positive
-3 \times -4 = 12
* Positive \times Negative = Negative
3 \times -4 = -12
* Negative \times Positive = Negative
-3 \times 4 = -12
The same rules apply for division:
Positive \div Positive = Positive
12 \div 4 = 3
* Negative \div Negative = Positive
-12 \div -4 = 3
* Positive \div Negative = Negative
12 \div -4 = -3
* Negative \div Positive = Negative
-12 \div 4 = -3
The key takeaway is that when the signs are the same, the answer is
positive. When the signs are different, the answer is negative.
