Integers

Introduction to Integers

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.

Table of Contents

  • 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

What Are 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).

Definition of integer

The integer is a set of full numbers that include:

  • All positive numbers (also known as natural numbers),
  • All negative numbers, and
  • Zero (0).

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."

Types of Integers: Positive, Negative, and Zero

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

Set of Integers and Notation (Z)

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:

  • Infinite in both directions.
  • Closed under addition, subtraction and multiplication.
  • Symmetric  around 0 on the number line.

Key points:

  • Z⁺: set of positive integer = {1, 2, 3, ...}
  • Z⁻: Set of negative integer = {..., -3, -2, -1}
  • Z: Complete set of integers = {..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...}

Understanding Integers on a Number Line

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.

Integer Operations: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division

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.

Addition to integers 

Adding the integer involves a combination of values ,​​considering their signals.

Rules to Adding integers with the same or different signs

  • Same signal: Add absolute values ​​and hold the same signal.
  • Different signs: Subtract smaller absolute value from larger and place the sign of numbers with a large absolute value.

Examples:

  • (+4) + (+3) = +7
  • (-5) + (-2) = -7
  • (+6) + (-9) = -3 (since 9 > 6, result is negative)

Subtraction of Integers

Subtracting integers is the process of finding the difference between them. The easiest way is to add the opposite.

Subtracting  integers by adding the opposite:

  • Make the subtraction of addition.
  • Change the second number symbol.

Examples:

  • 5 − 3 = 5 + (−3) = 2
  • −4 − (−6) = −4 + 6 = 2
  • 7 − (−2) = 7 + 2 = 9

Multiplication of Integers

Multiplying integers depends entirely on the signs of the numbers.

Multiplying Integers with Sign Rules:

Integer Signs

Result Sign

Positive × Positive

Positive

Negative × Negative

Positive

Positive × Negative

Negative

Negative × Positive

Negative

Examples:

  • (+4) × (+3) = +12
  • (−2) × (−5) = +10
  • (+6) × (−3) = −18

Division of Integers

Division of integers follows the same sign rules as multiplication.

Division of Integers – Positive and Negative Results:

Integer Signs

Result Sign

Positive ÷ Positive

Positive

Negative ÷ Negative

Positive

Positive ÷ Negative

Negative

Negative ÷ Positive

Negative

Examples:

  • (+12) ÷ (+4) = +3
  • (−15) ÷ (−3) = +5
  • (+18) ÷ (−6) = −3

Integer Operations Using a Number Line

The number line helps imagine basic operation with integers.

How to use the number bar:

  • Addition: Start at number one, go right to positive, to the left of negative.
  • Subtraction: Convert to addition of the opposite and follow the same rule.

Examples:

  • 3 + (−2): Start at 3, move 2 units left → Result = 1
  • −4 − (−3): Change to −4 + 3 → Start at −4, move 3 units right → Result = −1

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

 

Properties of Integers with Examples

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.

Closure Property of Integers

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:

  • 4 + (−5) = −1 (Integer) 
  • (−3) × 2 = −6 (Integer)
  • (−8) ÷ 4 = −2 (Integer)
  • 5 ÷ 2 = 2.5  (Not an integer)

Commutative Property of Integers

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:

  • 6 + (−2) = 4 = (−2) + 6 
  • (−3) × 7 = −21 = 7 × (−3) 

Associative Property of Integers

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 

Distributive Property of Integers

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 

Identity Property in Integer Operations

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:

  • 7 + 0 = 7
  • (−4) × 1 = −4 

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

 

Applications of Integers in Daily Life

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.

Using Integers in Real-Life Situations

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:

  • Gains and losses in business
  • Rise or drop in stock prices
  • Scoring in games
  • Levels in video games (positive/negative levels)
  • Steps above or below ground level

Integers in Banking, Temperature, and Elevation

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

 

Solved Integer Examples and Practice Questions

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?

 

Conclusion

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.

 

Related Links

  • Addition Concepts - Understand the concept of addition with clear examples, properties & how it forms the foundation of basic math.
  • Division Operations - Learn about the process of division, its rules, and methods, with simple explanations and practice examples.
  • Arithmetic Progression - Dive into the concept of arithmetic progression, its formula, and how it applies to sequences in math.

 

FAQs on Integers

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. What are the 7 rules of integers?
    Rules of Integers

  • The sum of two positive integers is an integer.
  • The sum of two negative integers is an integer.
  • The product of two positive integers is an integer.
  • The product of two negative integers is an integer.
  • The sum of an integer and its inverse is equal to zero.
  • The product of an integer and its reciprocal is equal to 1.
  1. 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.

Explore more exciting math concepts and build a strong foundation in mathematics with Orchids The International School!

 

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