Subtracting Integers Word Problems
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Here are nine great worked examples about subtracting integers word problems and 4 more below you can read on your own. Read the solution carefully, so you will know how to do similar problems.
To subtract an integer, add its opposite: 350 − −120 = 350 + 120 and −15 − 10 = −15 + −10.
Worked examples
Your turn
In each worked example above, every part of the story becomes a positive or a negative integer. Then you subtract by adding the opposite. The worked examples will help you see how to turn each part of a story into an integer step-by-step and get ready for the practice problems and the quiz below. Click through the steps one at a time.
Four More Examples to Read on Your Own
Problem #1:
The record high temperature for Massachusetts is 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The record low is -18 degrees Fahrenheit. What is the difference between high and low?
Solution
The problem has 1 important component. It is the phrase "difference between high and low."
Difference between high and low is the same as subtracting the smaller number from the bigger number.
104 - -18 = 104 + 18 = 122
The difference between high and low is 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
More subtracting integers word problems
Problem #2:
Sylvia checked the balance in her bank account early in the morning and saw that she had 98 dollars. In the afternoon, she noticed that there was an overdraft of 6 dollars in the account for unpaid bills. How much were the unpaid bills?
Solution
The problem has 1 important component. It is the word "Overdraft."
Overdraft occurs when the bank gives you money to cover amount you did not have at the time the bills were paid. In this case, what you did not have is 6 dollars. Since the bank gave it to you, you owe it to the bank. Therefore, you owe 6 dollars to the bank and this can be expressed as -6.
The amount of unpaid bills is the difference between what you had that morning (98) and what you have this afternoon (-6).
98 - -6 = 98 + 6 = 104 dollars
The amount of unpaid bills is 104 dollars
Problem #3:
You are 5 dollars in debt. You borrow 12 dollars more. What is the total amount of your debt?
Solution
The problem has 2 important components shown in bold below.
You are 5 dollars in debt. You borrow 12 dollars more. What is the total amount of your debt?
5 dollars in debt can be represented by -5
Borrow 12 more can be represented by - 12
We get -5 - 12 = -5 + -12 = -17
The amount of your debt is 17 dollars.
Problem #4:
An airplane takes off and then climbs 2500 feet. After 20 minutes, the airplane descends 150 feet. What is the airplane's current height?
Solution
The problem has 2 important components shown in bold below.
An airplane takes off and then climbs 2500 feet. After 20 minutes,
the airplane descends 150 feet. What is the airplane's current height?
Climbs 2500 feet can be represented with +2500
Descends 150 feet can be represented with - 150
We get +2500 - 150 = +2500 + -150 = 2350
The airplane is now at a height of 2350 feet.
Take a look also at the problem below
