An integer is any entire number, including positive number, negative number & zero, without including fraction or decimal. They help represent real life conditions such as temperature, loss of wealth or profits and levels. Important rules for intensification of guide operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Adding integers with the same sign, for example, gives a result with the same sign, while subtracting a larger number from a smaller one gives a negative result. Understanding these integer operations through clear examples such as 4, 0 and 5 strengthens the basic mathematics skills.
What Are Integers?
Set of Integers and Notation (Z)
Understanding Integers on a Number Line
Integer Operations: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division
Addition of Integers
Subtraction of Integers
Multiplication of Integers
Division of Integers
Properties of Integers with Examples
Closure Property
Commutative Property
Associative Property
Distributive Property
Identity Property
Applications of Integers in Daily Life
Solved Integer Examples and Practice Questions
Conclusion
Related Links
FAQs on Integers
The most important number is integers in mathematics is one of the sets. They are used to represent all numbers in both directions on the number line , including homogeneous and negative zero. From measurement height to monitoring financial benefits and disadvantages, integers play an important role in daily life. Let's understand the definition of integers, find out what types of integers and learn about the integer note (Z).
The integer is a set of full numbers that include:
They do not include parts, decimal or any part of the whole number.
Key Definition:
"Integer is a set of full numbers that can be positive, negative or zero, and is represented without other or decimal components."
Integers are categorized into 3 main types based on their value :
Type |
Examples |
Description |
Positive Integers |
1, 2, 3, 100, etc. |
Numbers greater than zero (right of zero on number line) |
Negative Integers |
-1, -2, -50, etc. |
Numbers less than zero (left of zero on number line) |
Zero (0) |
0 |
Neither positive nor negative; neutral integer |
In mathematics, the set of integers is represented by Capital Letter Z, who is derived from the German word Zahlen, which means "number".
Symbolic representation: Z = {..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...}
Properties of integer set:
Key points:
The integer is best visualized using a number line, which helps students understand the concept of positive and negative values, direction and distance. The straight line for integers is a straight line where the number is placed in the increasing order. This simple representation helps students compare integers, operate and understand their relative values.
Operations in the integer follow the specific rules that depend on the signals of the numbers involved. Mastering these integer operations helps to solve real life problems and create a strong foundation in arithmetic and algebra. Whether you add, subtract, multiply or divide the integer, it is necessary to use the correct rules for the integer.
Adding the integer involves a combination of values ,considering their signals.
Examples:
Subtracting integers is the process of finding the difference between them. The easiest way is to add the opposite.
Examples:
Multiplying integers depends entirely on the signs of the numbers.
Integer Signs |
Result Sign |
Positive × Positive |
Positive |
Negative × Negative |
Positive |
Positive × Negative |
Negative |
Negative × Positive |
Negative |
Examples:
Division of integers follows the same sign rules as multiplication.
Integer Signs |
Result Sign |
Positive ÷ Positive |
Positive |
Negative ÷ Negative |
Positive |
Positive ÷ Negative |
Negative |
Negative ÷ Positive |
Negative |
Examples:
The number line helps imagine basic operation with integers.
How to use the number bar:
Examples:
Quick Reference Table for Integer Operations
Operation |
Rule (Signs) |
Example |
Result |
Addition |
Same signs: add and keep sign |
(−3) + (−2) |
−5 |
Addition |
Different signs: subtract and keep larger sign |
(+5) + (−7) |
−2 |
Subtraction |
Add the opposite |
(−4) − (+3) = (−4)+−3 |
−7 |
Multiplication |
Same signs → Positive, Different → Negative |
(−6) × (+2) |
−12 |
Division |
Same signs → Positive, Different → Negative |
(+12) ÷ (−3) |
−4 |
The integer follows many basic mathematical properties necessary to simplify and operate manifestations. These properties of integers use additional arithmetic operations such as addition and multiplication. Understanding these rules allows students to systematically solve problems and have a strong basis for algebra and high mathematics.
The closure property states that when two integers are added, subtracted, or multiplied, the result is always an integer.
Closure Property Rules:
Addition: If a and b are integers, then a + b is also an integer.
Multiplication: If a and b are integers, then a × b is also an integer.
Examples:
The commutative property applies to addition & multiplication, where changing the order of the numbers does not change the result.
Operation |
Expression |
Result |
Addition |
a + b = b + a |
TRUE |
Multiplication |
a × b = b × a |
TRUE |
Subtraction |
a − b ≠ b − a |
FALSE |
Division |
a ÷ b ≠ b ÷ a |
FALSE |
Examples:
The associative property suggests that when you add or multiply integers, the grouping of numbers does not affect the result.
Associative Property Rules:
Addition: (a + b) + c = a + (b + c)
Multiplication: (a × b) × c = a × (b × c)
Examples:
(−1 + 2) + 3 = 1 + 3 = 4
= −1 + (2 + 3) = −1 + 5 = 4
(2 × 3) × 4 = 6 × 4 = 24
= 2 × (3 × 4) = 2 × 12 = 24
The distributive properties combine multiplication and addition or subtraction. This allows us to break down expressions for simple calculations.
Rule: a × (b + c) = a × b + a × c
Examples:
3 × (4 + 2) = 3 × 6 = 18
= 3 × 4 + 3 × 2 = 12 + 6 = 18
(−2) × (5 − 3) = (−2) × 2 = −4
= (−2) × 5 + (−2) × (−3) = −10 + 6 = −4
The identity property identifies the special number that ,when used in an operation, keeps the original number unchanged.
Operation |
Identity Element |
Explanation |
Addition |
0 |
a + 0 = a |
Multiplication |
1 |
a × 1 = a |
Examples:
Summary Table: Properties of Integers
Property |
Applies To |
Rule |
Example |
Closure |
+, × |
Result is always an integer |
(−3) + 7 = 4 |
Commutative |
+, × |
a + b = b + a; a × b = b × a |
5 × (−2) = (−2) × 5 |
Associative |
+, × |
(a + b) + c = a + (b + c) |
(−1 + 2) + 3 = −1 + (2+3) |
Distributive |
× over + or − |
a × (b + c) = ab + ac |
2 × (3 + 4) = 2×3 + 2×4 |
Identity |
+ (0), × (1) |
a + 0 = a; a × 1 = a |
9 × 1 = 9 |
The integers are not only limited to mathematical concepts, they are deeply woven under real conditions. From recording temperature and measuring the level of management and height of bank accounts, integers in daily life help us describe and interpret both positive and negative values with meaning and clarity.
Integers are used in many practical and everyday scenarios where both direction and quantity are important. They help represent profits and disadvantages, up and down of values, or increase and reduce in different systems.
Real-Life Uses of Integers:
1. Banking and Finance
Integers are used in bank transactions to reflect credits and debits.
Transaction Type |
Integer Representation |
Meaning |
Deposit ₹500 |
500 |
Money added |
Withdraw ₹300 |
−300 |
Money subtracted |
Overdraft |
Negative Balance |
Example: −₹100 means debt |
2. Temperature Measurement
Temperature readings often include positive and negative integers depending on the scale and region.
Location |
Temperature |
Mumbai |
+32°C |
Ladakh |
−10°C |
Freezing Point |
0°C |
3. Elevation and Depth
In geography, elevations above and below sea level are represented using integers.
Location |
Elevation (meters) |
Mount Everest |
+8,848 m |
Dead Sea |
−430 m |
Sea Level |
0 m |
Practicing integer problems helps students understand how to use integer concepts and rules in different mathematical situations. Examples, spreadsheets and MCQ designed for students from class 5 to class 7 below are solved. These exercises include integer questions, property based MCQs and word problems on scenarios in the real world to improve problems.
Worksheet Sample:
Question Type |
Example |
Addition of integers |
(+6) + (−8) = ? |
Subtraction using number line |
(−5) − (+3) = ? |
Multiply integers with different signs |
(−4) × (+7) = ? |
Divide integers and write quotient |
(+20) ÷ (−5) = ? |
Compare integers |
Which is greater: −4 or +2? |
Integers are an essential part of mathematics & daily life, which represents both positive and negative values. Understanding their characteristics and mastery in integer operations allows students to solve complex mathematics problems and understand real world landscapes such as temperature changes, height and economic transactions. Practice, explore and apply these concepts to create a strong foundation for learning future mathematics.
What are integers and examples?
Integers are whole numbers (no decimals or fractions) that can be positive, negative, or zero. They are a fundamental set of numbers used in mathematics and various real-world applications.
Is 1.5 an integer, yes or no?
An integer, also called a "round number" or “whole number,” is any positive or negative number that does not include decimal parts or fractions. For example, 3, -10, and 1,025 are all integers, but 2.76 (decimal), 1.5 (decimal), and 3 ½ (fraction) are not.
Is 7 an integer number?
Integers are numbers that cannot be decimals or fractions. They are either whole numbers or negative numbers. Some examples are: 2, 7, 0, -9, -12, etc.
What are the 7 rules of integers?
Rules of Integers
Is root 2 an integer?
is not, as 2 is not a perfect square) or irrational. The rational root theorem (or integer root theorem) may be used to show that any square root of any natural number that is not a perfect square is irrational.
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