MATH 2.3 : Subtraction of Integers

• The minuend is the first number in a subtraction. It is the number from which another is to be subtracted
• The subtrahend is the second number in a subtraction. It is the number to be subtracted from another.
• Subtract: (−5) − (+7)

  Solution

  This illustrates the first case—an integer minus a positive integer.

  Step 1: Leave the minuend unchanged. That is

  −5

  Step 2: Change the subtraction sign to addition sign. Now we have

  (−5) +

  Step 3: Change the subtrahend to its opposite.

  (−5) + (−7)

  Step 4: Proceed to the rules of addition. So, we have

  (−5) + (−7) = −12

  Therefore, (−5)– (+7) = −𝟏𝟐.
• How do you calculate the length of the Roman Empire in years?

  By subtracting the start year from the end year: length = end year - start year.
• What is the formula used to calculate the length of the Roman Empire?

  length of Roman Empire in years = end year - start year.
• What is the calculation to find the length of the Roman Empire using the years provided?

  $476 - (-753) =$$476 +$$753 =$$1229$
• How long did the Roman Empire last?

  About 1,229 years.