Subtracting Integers Game

Subtracting Integers Game
This game focus on the mental “Keep, Change, Change” algorithm. The player is presented with a subtraction problem and must first transform it into an addition problem before they can submit the final solution. Scroll down for a detailed explanation.
 

 

The “Keep-Change-Change” Rule
Subtracting an integer is mathematically identical to adding its opposite. This transformation is a reliable way to avoid mistakes with negative signs.

How to Play the Subtracting Integers Game

1. Keep: The first number never changes.
   
2. Change: Switch the subtraction sign (-) to an addition sign (+).
   
3. Change: Flip the sign of the second number to its opposite.
   If it was 5, it becomes -5.
   If it was -8, it becomes +8.
   

Example:
(-4) - (-10)
Step 1 (Transform): Change it to (-4) + (+10).
Step 2 (Solve): Now it’s a simple addition problem with different signs. The answer is 6.

This video gives a clear, step-by-step approach to subtracting integers by adding the opposite.

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