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30 Dec 2025

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2 pages

Mastering Integer Calculations: Positive and Negative Numbers

Scarlett Edwardes

@scarlett_1917

Working with positive and negative numbers might seem tricky at... Show more

# CALCULATIONS WITH INTEGERS

---

DESCRIPTION:
INTEGER: AN INTEGER IS A WHOLE NUMBER LE. A NUMBER WITH NO FRACTION OR DECIMAL
INTEGERS CAN

Understanding Integers and Basic Rules

Integers are simply whole numbers that can be positive or negative - no fractions or decimals involved. Think of them as the numbers you'd find on a number line stretching in both directions from zero.

The key to mastering integer calculations is memorising a few simple rules. For addition, remember that adding a negative is the same as subtracting: positive + positive stays positive, but mixing signs gives you the sign of the larger number.

Subtraction has a neat trick - subtracting a negative actually makes it positive! So negative - negative becomes positive. For multiplication and division, the rule is simple: same signs give positive results, different signs give negative results.

Top Tip: When you see two negative signs together $like - -$ , they always become positive. It's like a double negative in English!

Working Through Examples Step-by-Step

Let's see these rules in action with some exam-style questions. Breaking down complex problems into smaller steps makes them much more manageable.

Example 1: 5×(6+-8) First, tackle what's inside the brackets: 6+-8 becomes 6-8 = -2. Then multiply: 5×(-2) = -10. Remember, positive times negative always equals negative.

Example 2: (6÷-3)×(2--1)
Solve each bracket separately: 6÷(-3) = -2, and 2--1 becomes 2+1 = 3. Finally: (-2)×3 = -6. Always work through brackets first, then apply your multiplication rules.

Exam Strategy: Always show each step clearly in your working - even if you make a small error, you'll still get marks for using the correct method.

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237

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30 Dec 2025

•

2 pages

Mastering Integer Calculations: Positive and Negative Numbers

Scarlett Edwardes

@scarlett_1917

Working with positive and negative numbers might seem tricky at first, but once you learn the basic rules, calculations with integers become straightforward. These skills are essential for GCSE maths and will help you tackle more complex algebraic problems with... Show more

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Understanding Integers and Basic Rules

Top Tip: When you see two negative signs together $like - -$ , they always become positive. It's like a double negative in English!

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Working Through Examples Step-by-Step

Let's see these rules in action with some exam-style questions. Breaking down complex problems into smaller steps makes them much more manageable.

Example 1: 5×(6+-8) First, tackle what's inside the brackets: 6+-8 becomes 6-8 = -2. Then multiply: 5×(-2) = -10. Remember, positive times negative always equals negative.

Example 2: (6÷-3)×(2--1)
Solve each bracket separately: 6÷(-3) = -2, and 2--1 becomes 2+1 = 3. Finally: (-2)×3 = -6. Always work through brackets first, then apply your multiplication rules.

Exam Strategy: Always show each step clearly in your working - even if you make a small error, you'll still get marks for using the correct method.