Mathematics · Grades 6–8
Subtract signed integers
Subtracting a negative is adding its opposite.
The key idea
Subtracting a negative is adding its opposite.
a − b = a + (−b)
Worked examples
(41) − (-53) = ?
(41) + (53) = 94
94
(-80) − (49) = ?
(-80) + (-49) = -129
-129
Try it yourself
(-81) − (44) = ?
(53) − (-72) = ?
Check your understanding
Answers and marking notes
- -125
(-81) + (-44) = -125
- 125
(53) + (72) = 125
Further reading and review references
These are reference links, not copied exercises, institutional endorsement or proof of independent review.
Learning preview · teacher review required. Grade bands are approximate, not official curriculum alignment.