Subtracting Integers Examples

What is (-4) – 8?

First we'll swap things around from subtracting a positive to adding a negative.

(-4) – 8 =
(-4) + (-8)

Then we just add like normal. We've got two negatives, so we add the numbers and keep the negative sign.

(-4) + (-8) = -12

What is 3 – 12?

Let's make things easier on ourselves by adding a negative instead.

3 – 12 =
3 + (-12)

We're adding 3 positives to 12 negatives, so the negatives win. Subtract the two numbers and keep the negative sign.

3 + (-12) = -9

What is 5 – (-7)?

Two negatives make a positive, so rewrite the whole problem with a plus instead of two minuses.

5 – (-7) =
5 + 7

Now it's a straight-up addition problem.

5 + 7 = 12

What is (-9) – (-8)?

Yeesh, that's a lot of negatives. How 'bout we turn that double negative into a positive?

(-9) – (-8) =
(-9) + 8

We're adding 9 negatives and 8 positives, which leaves us with 1 negative.

(-9) + 8 = -1