How to Subtract Integers (Easy Guide for Students with Examples) 

Subtracting integers is an important concept in mathematics, especially for students in middle school. Once you understand the basic rules, it becomes very easy and fun!

In this guide, you’ll learn how to subtract integers step by step, along with examples and tricks.

What Are Integers?

Integers are whole numbers that can be positive, negative, or zero.
(i)Positive integers: 1, 2, 3,…….
(ii)Negative integers: -1, -2, -3,…….
(iii)Zero: 0

Basic Rule of Subtracting Integers

The most important rule is: Change subtraction into addition and reverse the sign of the second number.
   a−b=a+(−b)

 Step-by-Step Method :
 Step 1: Change subtraction to addition
 Step 2: Change the sign of the second number
Step 3: Solve using integer addition integer rules integer addition rules

Examples of Subtracting Integers

1. Positive – Positive
7 – 3 = 7 + (-3) = 4

2. Positive – Negative
5 – (-2) = 5 + 2 = 7

3. Negative – Positive
-6 – 2 = -6 + (-2) = -8

4. Negative – Negative
-4 – (-3) = -4 + 3 = -1

Easy Trick to Remember
“Keep, Change, Change” Rule
(i)Keep the first number
(ii)Change subtraction to addition
(iii)Change the sign of the second number

 Common Mistakes to Avoid

(i) Forgetting to change the sign
(ii)Mixing addition and subtraction rules
(iii)Ignoring negative signs

FAQs 

Q1. What is the rule for subtracting integers?Change subtraction to addition and reverse the sign of the second number.

Q2. How do you subtract negative numbers?Subtracting a negative becomes addition. Example: 5 – (-2) = 7.

Q3. Is subtracting integers difficult?
 No! Once you learn the rule, it becomes very easy.

MCQ  on subtraction of integers

1. 5 – 3 = ?
A) 2 
B) 3
C) -2
D) -3
Ans. A

2. 9 – 4 = ?
A) 5 
B) 6
C) -5
D) 4
Ans. A

3. 7 – 7 = ?
A) 1
B) 0 
C) -1
D) 7
Ans. B

4. 5 – (-3) = ?
A) 2
B) 8 
C) -8
D) -2
Ans. B

5. 7 – (-2) = ?
A) 5
B) 9
C) -9
D) 2
Ans. B

6. -6 – 2 = ?
A) -4
B) 4
C) -8 
D) 8
Ans. C

7. -3 – (-5) = ?
A) -8
B) -2 
C) 2
D) 8
Ans.C

8. 4 – (-7) = ?
A) -3
B) 11 
C) 3
D) -11
Ans. B

9. -9 – 3 = ?
A) -6
B) -12 
C) 6
D) 12
Ans. B

10. -12 – (-8) = ?
A) -4 
B) 4
C) -20
D) 20
Ans. A

11. 15 – (-20) = ?
A) -5
B) 35 
C) 5
D) -35
Ans. B

12. -25 – 5 = ?
A) -20
B) -30 
C) 20
D) 30
Ans. B

13.  12 – 5 – 2 = ?
A) 6
B) 5
C) 7
D) 4
Ans. B

14.  15 – 5 – 5 = ?
A) 5 
B) 10
C) 0
D) 15
Ans. A

15. 14 – 6 – 3 = ?
A) 4
B) 6
C) 7
D) 5
Ans. D

16. 18 – 8 – 5 = ?
A) 5 
B) 6
C) 7
D) 4
Ans.A

17. 10 – (-5) – 2 = ?
A) 13 
B) 7
C) -13
D) 15
Ans. A

18. 8 – 3 – (-2) = ?
A) 7 
B) 3
C) 5
D) 9
Ans.  A

19. 12 – (-4) – 6 = ?
A) 10
B) 2
C) 6
D) 8
Ans. A

20. 10 – (-5) – (-3) – 2 = ?
A) 16 
B) 10
C) 20
D) 8
Ans. A

21. -12 – (-4) – 3 – (-1) = ?
A) -10 
B) -6
C) 10
D) -8
Ans. A

22. 20 – 5 – (-10) – 3 = ?
A) 22 
B) 18
C) 12
D) 25
Ans. A

Word problems on subtraction of integers : 

1. Mohan had ₹40. He spent ₹15 and ₹10. How much is left?
A) ₹20
B) ₹15 
C) ₹10
D) ₹25
Ans. B

2. Temperature was 20°C. It dropped by 8°C and then by 4°C. Final temperature?
A) 10°C
B) 8°C 
C) 12°C
D) 6°C
Ans. B

3. The temperature was -5°C. It dropped by 3°C and then rose by 2°C. What is the final temperature?
A) -6°C 
B) -4°C
C) -8°C
D) -2°C
Ans. A

4.  A diver is at -10 m. He goes down 5 m and then comes up 3 m. Final position?
A) -12 m
B) -8 m
C) -10 m
D) -6 m
Ans. A

5. A temperature of 2°C drops by 5°C and then rises by 3°C. Final temperature?
A) 0°C 
B) -2°C
C) 2°C
D) -1°C
Ans. A

6. A lift is at ground floor (0). It goes down 4 floors, then up 2 floors. Final floor?
A) -2 
B) 2
C) -4
D) 0
Ans. A

7. The temperature was -10°C. It dropped by 5°C, rose by 8°C, then dropped by 3°C. Final temperature?
A) -10°C 
B) -8°C
C) -5°C
D) -12°C
Ans. A

8. A diver is at -30 m. He rises 10 m, goes down 15 m, then rises 5 m. Final position?
A) -30 m 
B) -25 m
C) -20 m
D) -35 m
Ans. A

9. You owe ₹50. You borrow ₹20 more, repay ₹30, then borrow ₹10 again. Final balance?
A) -₹50 
B) -₹40
C) -₹60
D) -₹30
Ans. A

10. A lift is at 5th floor. It goes down 10 floors, up 3 floors, then down 2 floors. Final floor?
A) -4 
B) -2
C) -5
D) 0
Ans. A

11. A player has 0 points. He loses 20, gains 15, loses 5, gains 10. Final score?
A) -5
B) 5
C) 0
D) 10
Ans. C

12. Temperature is 10°C. It drops by 20°C, rises by 5°C, drops by 5°C. Final temperature?
A) 0°C 
B) -5°C
C) -10°C
D) -15°C
Ans. C

13. A bank balance is ₹100. Withdraw ₹200, deposit ₹50, withdraw ₹30. Final balance?
A) -₹80 
B) -₹50
C) -₹100
D) ₹20
Ans. A

14. A submarine is at -50 m. It rises 20 m, drops 10 m, rises 5 m. Final position?
A) -30m 
B) -35m
C) -25 m
D) -40 m
Ans. B

• BODMAS Questions for class 5
• Simplify questions for class
• Division sums for class 5
• Unitary Method for Class 5
• Addition of Integers: Rules, Examples, and Practice Questions