Integers

5 minQuiz at the end

What are Integers?

Integers are whole numbers that can be positive, negative, or zero: …-3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3…

They do not include fractions or decimals.

The Number Line

←  -5  -4  -3  -2  -1  0  1  2  3  4  5  β†’

Numbers to the left are smaller. Numbers to the right are larger.

  • -5 < -1 < 0 < 3 < 7

Adding Integers

  • Positive + Positive: 4 + 3 = 7
  • Negative + Negative: -3 + (-5) = -8 (add sizes, keep negative)
  • Positive + Negative: 7 + (-4) = 3 (find the difference, use sign of larger)

Subtracting Integers

Subtracting a negative = adding: a - (-b) = a + b

  • 5 - (-3) = 5 + 3 = 8

Multiplying and Dividing Integers

SignsResult
Positive Γ— PositivePositive
Negative Γ— NegativePositive
Positive Γ— NegativeNegative
Negative Γ· PositiveNegative

Key rule: Same signs β†’ positive. Different signs β†’ negative.

Real-World Context

Negative numbers represent: temperatures below zero, depths below sea level, debts, and going back in time.