What Are Integers?

Integers are whole numbers that can be positive, negative, or zero. They do not include fractions or decimals. Think of them as the numbers you can count on your fingers (including negatives, if you could count below zero!).

Why Do We Use Integers?

Integers are used to represent quantities that can go above or below zero, such as temperatures, money owed, or levels in a video game.

Working with Integers

• Adding integers: \( 3 + (-5) = -2 \)
• Subtracting integers: \( -4 - (-7) = 3 \)
• Multiplying integers: \( -3 \times 2 = -6 \)
• Dividing integers: \( 8 \div -2 = -4 \)

Real-World Connections

• Temperatures can drop below zero in winter.
• Credits and debts in a bank account can be positive or negative.

Tips

• Adding a negative is the same as subtracting.
• Subtracting a negative is the same as adding.