Introduction to Negative Numbers (Subtraction)

This Introduction to Negative Numbers (Subtraction) printable helps 5th and 6th graders understand subtraction with negative numbers as adding the opposite.

How to Solve Integers (Negatives)

The key rule: subtracting a number is the same as adding its opposite. So 4 - (-3) becomes 4 + 3 = 7, and 2 - 5 becomes 2 + (-5) = -3. Convert each subtraction to addition of the opposite, then use number line reasoning to find the answer.

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