Subtracting Integers - Rules and Examples

The rules for subtracting integers are as follows:

If the integers have the same sign, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value and give the result the same sign as the integer with the larger absolute value.

If the integers have different signs, add the absolute values of the integers and give the result the same sign as the integer with the larger absolute value.

Here are some examples to illustrate these rules:

To subtract 3 - 2, we get 1, because 3 and 2 have the same sign (both positive) and 3 is greater than 2.

To subtract (-3) - (-2), we get -1, because -3 and -2 have the same sign (both negative) and -3 is less than -2.

To subtract 3 - (-2), we get 5, because 3 and -2 have different signs. We add the absolute values of 3 and -2, which gives us 3 + 2 = 5. We give the result the same sign as 3, which is positive, so the final answer is 5.

To subtract (-3) - 2, we get -5, because -3 and 2 have different signs. We add the absolute values of -3 and 2, which gives us 3 + 2 = 5. We give the result the same sign as -3, which is negative, so the final answer is -5.