What is \(4-(-7)\)?
- A \(-11\)
- B \(-3\)
- C \(3\)
- D \(11\)
Check answer and explanation
Answer D: \(11\)
Subtracting a negative is the same as adding its opposite: \(4-(-7)=4+7=11\).
CH03-03 lesson
Subtracting Integers Learning Activity
A focused Grade 7 learning session for Subtracting Integers using visual models, worked examples, strategy guidance, and a short mastery check.
- 15
- minutes
- 6
- lesson parts
- 11
- practice items
Students will build Grade 7 mastery of subtracting integers using models, equations, and test-style reasoning.
Student goal: I can solve problems involving subtracting integers.
Learn the Idea
Subtracting Integers is part of Grade 7 The Number System. This activity focuses on the central idea students need before they move into independent practice.
Students will build Grade 7 mastery of subtracting integers using models, equations, and test-style reasoning.
See the Math
| What to notice | How to use it |
|---|---|
| Numbers, units, labels, diagrams, or graphs | Identify what each part represents before calculating. |
| The relationship in the problem | Connect the model to an equation, comparison, or explanation. |
Use the figures and worked questions in the practice set below as the visual model for this skill.
Follow a Worked Example
Read the first practice question slowly. Decide what the question is asking, choose a strategy, solve, and then compare your reasoning with the answer explanation.
For Subtracting Integers, a strong worked example should show the setup, the calculation or model, and a final answer that matches the context.
Connect It to a Real Situation
Many Grade 7 test questions use real situations. Look for quantities, units, rates, measures, expressions, or data values that connect the math to the story.
After solving, explain what the answer means in the situation, not just the number you calculated.
Avoid Mistakes and Choose a Strategy
- Underline the exact question before solving.
- Label units, variables, or graph axes when they appear.
- Estimate first so unreasonable answers are easier to catch.
- Review missed questions and write the reason for each mistake.
Remember the Key Idea
I can solve problems involving subtracting integers.
Use the warmup, guided question, practice set, and exit questions below to check whether this skill is ready or needs more practice.
Solve before opening the answer
Use scratch paper. The explanation matters more than simply seeing whether the choice is correct.
warmup
2 questionsSimplify: \(-5-3\)
- A \(-8\)
- B \(-2\)
- C \(2\)
- D \(8\)
Check answer and explanation
Answer A: \(-8\)
When subtracting from a negative number, move further left on the number line: \(-5-3=-8\).
guided
1 questionWhat is \(-2-(-6)\)?
- A \(4\)
- B \(-8\)
- C \(-4\)
- D \(8\)
Check answer and explanation
Answer A: \(4\)
Subtracting a negative becomes addition: \(-2-(-6)=-2+6=4\).
practice
5 questionsEvaluate: \(10-(-5)\)
- A \(5\)
- B \(-15\)
- C \(-5\)
- D \(15\)
Check answer and explanation
Answer D: \(15\)
\(10-(-5)=10+5=15\). Always convert subtraction of a negative to addition.
Which expression equals \(-3\)?
- A \(5-(-2)\)
- B \(-6-3\)
- C \(-1-4\)
- D \(2-5\)
Check answer and explanation
Answer D: \(2-5\)
\(2-5=2+(-5)=-3\). Check: A \(=7\), B \(=-3\), C \(=-5\), D \(=-9\).
What is \(-8-(-2)\)?
- A \(-10\) (if you add both numbers without flipping the sign)
- B \(6\) (if you ignore the leading negative)
- C \(-4\) (if you forget to apply the rule)
- D \(-6\) (correct: \(-8+2\))
Check answer and explanation
Answer D: \(-6\) (correct: \(-8+2\))
\(-8-(-2)=-8+2=-6\). Subtracting the negative shifts right by 2 on the number line.
Simplify: \(0-(-9)\)
- A \(9\)
- B \(-9\)
- C \(0\)
- D \(-18\)
Check answer and explanation
Answer A: \(9\)
\(0-(-9)=0+9=9\). The opposite of \(-9\) is \(9\).
What is \(3-7\)?
- A \(4\)
- B \(-10\)
- C \(10\)
- D \(-4\)
Check answer and explanation
Answer D: \(-4\)
\(3-7=3+(-7)=-4\). We move left on the number line by 7 units from 3.
exit
3 questionsEvaluate: \(-1-(-5)\)
- A \(-6\)
- B \(6\)
- C \(-4\)
- D \(4\)
Check answer and explanation
Answer D: \(4\)
\(-1-(-5)=-1+5=4\). Move right 5 units from \(-1\) on the number line.
When subtracting a negative number, why do we add its opposite instead?
- A Because subtraction and addition are the same operation
- B Because subtracting the opposite of a number is equivalent to adding the number itself
- C To make the problem easier to solve
- D Because negative numbers cannot be subtracted
Check answer and explanation
Answer B: Because subtracting the opposite of a number is equivalent to adding the number itself
The key principle (7.NS.1c): \(a-(-b)=a+b\). This works because we are undoing a debt or reversing a loss. Choice B correctly identifies this conceptual principle.
Which is the simplest form of \(-6-(-4)\)?
- A \(-10\)
- B \(10\)
- C \(2\)
- D \(-2\)
Check answer and explanation
Answer D: \(-2\)
\(-6-(-4)=-6+4=-2\).
