Chapter 3 – Integers

1. πŸ”‘ Important Keywords and Definitions

  • Integers: The set of numbers that includes positive numbers, negative numbers, and zero.
    Example: …, –3, –2, –1, 0, 1, 2, 3, …

  • Positive Integers: Numbers greater than zero (1, 2, 3, …)

  • Negative Integers: Numbers less than zero (–1, –2, –3, …)

  • Zero (0): Neither positive nor negative.

  • Number Line: A horizontal line to represent integers.

  • Absolute Value: The distance of a number from zero on the number line, always positive.
    Example: |–4| = 4 and |3| = 3


2. 🧠 Key Concepts and Explanations

  • Integers are used to show gains and losses, elevations above or below sea level, temperatures, etc.

  • Comparing Integers:

    • A number is greater if it lies to the right on the number line.

    • Negative integers are always less than positive integers.

  • Successor of an integer = Integer + 1

  • Predecessor of an integer = Integer – 1


3. πŸ“ Formulas and Rules

Operation Rule Example
(+) + (+) Add normally: 3 + 5 = 8
(–) + (–) Add, keep minus: (–2) + (–4) = –6
(+) + (–) Subtract, keep sign of bigger: 7 + (–3) = 4
(–) + (+) Same as above: (–5) + 8 = 3
(–) – (+) Add and keep minus: (–6) – 3 = –9
(+) – (–) Becomes addition: 4 – (–2) = 6
(–) – (–) Change both – signs to +: (–3) – (–5) = 2
4. πŸ”„ Step-by-Step Methods

To Represent Integers on a Number Line:

  1. Draw a horizontal line.

  2. Mark 0 at the center.

  3. Mark positive integers to the right and negative integers to the left.

To Add/Subtract Integers Using Number Line:

  1. Start at the first number.

  2. Move right for addition, left for subtraction.


5. βœ… Examples with Full Solutions

Example 1: Add (–3) + (–4)
Solution: Both negative β†’ Add and keep minus sign
β‡’ (–3) + (–4) = –7

Example 2: Subtract 5 – (–2)
Solution: Two negatives become plus
β‡’ 5 – (–2) = 5 + 2 = 7

Example 3: Arrange: –3, 4, –1, 0 in ascending order
Solution: –3 < –1 < 0 < 4


6. ⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t mix up signs in addition/subtraction.

  • Remember: (–) – (–) becomes addition.

  • Don’t forget to place zero in the middle of the number line.

  • Positive numbers don’t have a β€˜+’ sign written, but are still positive.


7. ✍️ Practice Questions

  1. Represent the following integers on a number line: –5, 0, +3, –2

  2. Add the following: (–6) + 8, (–4) + (–3), 10 + (–9)

  3. Subtract the following: 5 – (–2), (–7) – (–5), (–10) – 4

  4. Write the successor and predecessor of: –3, 0, 7

  5. Arrange in ascending order: –7, –2, 0, 3, –1


8. πŸ“Š Conceptual Diagrams

  • Number line showing integers from –10 to +10

  • Movement on number line for positive and negative direction

  • Visual representation of addition and subtraction of integers


9. πŸ’‘ Word Problems Section

Q: A submarine is at –300 meters. It rises 150 meters. What is its new depth?
A: –300 + 150 = –150 meters

Q: The temperature was –5Β°C in the morning. It rose by 7Β°C. What is the temperature now?
A: –5 + 7 = 2Β°C


10. πŸ“ Important Points / Quick Revision

  • Integers include both negative and positive numbers and zero.

  • Positive numbers lie to the right of 0, negatives to the left.

  • Zero is neutral; it is neither positive nor negative.

  • Adding a negative = subtracting the number.

  • Subtracting a negative = adding the number.


11. πŸ”— Connections to Other Chapters

  • Useful in Algebra (Simple Equations)

  • Basis for Data Handling and Graph plotting

  • Applied in Geometry (Coordinate Systems)


12. 🎯 Extra Tips or Tricks

  • Use a number line to solve questions in exams for accuracy.

  • Always double-check sign rules before final answer.

  • Practice daily with real-life examples (temperature, gains/losses).

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