Subtracting Integers - Sept 11th

Topics for Today:

Subtracting integers can be a tricky concept for our younger students, especially those still developing abstract thinking skills.  We used two concrete methods today to discuss subtraction of integers.  The first important key is to realize that subtraction means to physically take something away.  It can be challenging to understand how to take something away that isn't there to begin with.  To accomplish subtraction, we used integer chips and number lines to illustrate how subtraction works.  

For the purpose of this illustration, an orange chip is positive 1 and a red chip is negative 1.  Together, the two add to zero (additive inverse property).  

We then discussed the definition of subtraction as the addition of opposites.  We can change any subtraction problem into addition if we add the opposite.

TO SUBTRACT, ADD THE OPPOSITE!

Vocabulary:

rule for subtracting integers, subtraction

Sections Covered in Textbook:

1-7:  Adding and Subtracting Integers (pages 39-44)

Resources & Tutorials:

1) How do you add two negative numbers?
2) Rules for Adding Integers
3)  How to rewrite a subtraction problem as addition
4) Subtracting Integers Class Notes

Assignments:

1) Subtracting Integers Worksheet

2) Quiz Corrections due Tuesday

Extras: