Subtraction of positive and negative integers
I can use the mathematical structures that underpin subtraction to add and subtract positive and negative integers.
Subtraction of positive and negative integers
I can use the mathematical structures that underpin subtraction to add and subtract positive and negative integers.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Any subtraction can be re-written as an equivalent addition.
- Subtracting a postive number is the same as adding a negative number.
- Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number.
Keywords
Additive inverse - The additive inverse of a number is a number that, when added to the original number, gives the sum of 0.
Absolute value - The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero. E.g. 5 and (−5) are both 5 away from zero and so both have an absolute value of 5.
Common misconception
Minus and a minus make a plus, 2 negatives make a positive, double negative makes a positive, etc.
The use of additive inverses should avoid this common misconception. Be aware that pupils maybe already be familiar with this statement.
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
6 + (-4)
4 + (-6)
6 + 4
(-4) + (-6)
2
(-2)
10
(-10)
