Rules to Subtract Integers

The rules to subtract integers are discussed here.

If a and b are two integers, then to subtract b from a, we change the sign of b and add it to a;

a – b = a + (-b)




Consider the following examples for the rules to subtract integers.

Find the difference of the integers:

1. 4 from 9

In order to subtract 4 from 9, we change the sign of 4 and add it to 9.

Thus, we have 9 – 4 = 9 + (-4) = 5.

2. -4 from 7


In order to subtract -4 from 7, we change the sign of -4 and add it to 7.


Thus, we have 7 – (-4) = 7 + 4 = 11.



3. 3 from -8

In order to subtract 3 from -8, we change the sign of 3 and add it to -8.


Thus, we have -8 – 3 = (-8) + (-3) = -11.



4. -9 from -5

In order to subtract -9 from -5, we change the sign of -9 and add it to -5.


Thus, we have -5 – (-9) = (-5) + 9 = 4.


● Integers

Representation of Integers on a Number Line.

Addition of Integers on a Number Line.

Rules to Add Integers.

Rules to Subtract Integers.






5th Grade Numbers Page 

5th Grade Math Problems 

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