Integers 101

Outlined in this map is basic information that you need to know about integers, weather you are a student, teacher or parent.Use this map to learn about integers and look back to this map as a future tool or guide when you are working with integers. There are many attachments that allow you to see video demonstrations but practice sites as well. As a parent or teacher please use this site as a refresher. We have all been there where you remember but don’t quite remember. Also, a lot has changed over time, so I’ve attached the most up-to-date information and examples.

Absolute Value

Absolute value of an integer is the number of units the integer is from 0 on the number line.

The absolute value of an integer is always positive
no matter if the sign of the integer is negative or positive.

Example:I 4 I = 4I -4 I = 4Remember the absolute value is always the number of units an integer is from zero.

Check out this website for and example on how to solve absolute value equations.

The absolute value of a number is positive please keep this in mind.Ex.l-6l - l6l = 6 - 6 = 0First you find the absolute value of l-6l, which is 6, and l6l which is also six. Than you subtract the numbers ending up with zero.

Modeling Integer Addition and Subtraction

Modeling Integer Addition

Counters Model

In this example the red counters are used as the model for -3 and the green counters are used for +2.The sea of zeros is when two chids cancel each other out, or are known as zero. The left over chips that don't zero out represent the answer.2+ (-3) = -1, since thre is one red chip left.

With counters model one color represents the negative integer, i.e., -1, and another color is used to represent the positive integer, i.e., +1 or 1.

Integer Addition Using Counters

Check out this video to see an example of using counters for integer addition. This is an extension of a lesson that this gentleman taught his class, but it does a good job of showing how counters work, even without the original in class lesson.

Counters Model Example

Charged-Field Model

Similar to the counter-model, is the changed-field model

Based on the idea that the same number of positive and negative charges produces a field with 0 charge, but an excess of positive charges or negative charges produces a result of an negative or positive charged field.

Example of Charged-Field Model

Number-Line Model

Video depicting Number-Line Model

In the number-line model a person always starts at zero and "walks" on the number line.

To represent addition (+), always walk forward and you face right before walking. For negative integers, face left before walking.

Example:-6 + 4You draw a number-line picture, you face left, walk 6 followed by face right, walk 4, ending at -2.

Modeling Integer Subtraction

Counters Model

Counters Model Subtraction

A counters model may be used to find the differnce of two integers

Recall that because a black and a red counter cancel each other, you can include as many black-red pairs as you want when representing an integer without changing its value.

Charged-Field Model

Just as addition, a positive number is modeled by putting positive charges into the field a negative number is modeled by putting negative charges into the field.

Subtraction is modeled by putting integral numbers of charges in the field, followed by taking an integral number of charges from the field.

Eample of Charged-Field Model

Number-Line Model

As when modeling addition, a person always starts on the number line at 0 and walks on the number line. To model integer subtraction always walk backward after seeing the subtraction sign (-).

Procedures for Adding Integers

Adding two positive integers: Add as with whole numbers

Adding two negative integers: Add absolute values the sum is negative.

Adding a positive and a negative integer: Subtract the lesser of the absolute values of the integers from the greater. Give the answer the same sign as the integer with greater absolute value

Multiplication, Division, and Other Properties of Integers

Counters Model

Use black counters for positive (+) integers and red counters for negative (-) integers.

Use a bag or another devices to represent number of times putting in + or taking out - integers. See attached picture for example.

Counters Model of Multiplication Examples

Charged-Fields Model

A positive number is modeled by putting positive charges into the field and a negative number is modeled by putting in negative charges into the field.

It is modeled by putting multiples of same-size groups of charges when multiplying by a positive integer and taking out multiples of same-size groups of charges when multiplying by a negative integer. The product is the charge of the resulting field.

Example of Charged-Field Model Multiplication

This example is following the equation of 2 x -4 = -8

Number-Line Model

First factors, positive integers, they are modeled by walking east, negative integers by walking west.

In the second factor, positive integers are modeled by hours from now, negative integers by hours ago.

In the product, positive integers are modeled by miles east of zero, negative integers by miles west of zero.

Check out this example of Number-Line Model Multiplication

Procedures for Multiplying Integers

Multiplying two positive integers: Multiply as with whole numbers.Multiplying two negative integers: Multiply absolute values, the product is positive. Multiplying a positive and a negative integer: Multiply absolute values. The product is negative.

Integer Division

Dividing by an integer can be thought of as finding the missing factor.

Eampled 28/ 4 = ?Think: What number multiplied by 4 gives the product 28?28/4=7This process works for all integers.

Check out this video with Integer Division

Procedures for Dividing Integers

Dividing two positive integers: Divide as with whole numbers.Dividing with two negative integers: Divide absolute values. The quotient is positive.Dividing a positive and a negative integer: Divide absolute values. The quotient is negative.

What are Integers?

Subtopic

Integers are like whole numbers, 0, 1, 2,3,4,5 ..., but they also include negative numbers. integers can be negative {-1, -2,-3, -4, -5, … }, positive {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, … }, or zero {0}

Integers consist of positive integers, negative integers, and zero.

An integer is a whole number that can be either greater than 0, called positive, or less than 0, called negative. Zero is neither positive nor negative.Two integers that are the same distance from zero in opposite directions are called opposites.Every integer on the number line has an absolute value, which is its distance from zero.Check out Math.com for more in depth definition, examples, and a workout.

Sources: All videos and links are linked to source of origin. Further information is courtesy of O'Daffer, Charles, Cooney, Dossey, and Schielack

Integer Uses

Temperature

When reading a thermometer you read above zero temperatures as positive and below zero temperatures as negative.

Understanding integers using temperature

Altitude

Geographically, we represent sea level with integers. Obviously, below sea level is represented with negative integers.

Stock Gain/Loss

Check out this video for every day uses of Integers, using the example of stocks, losses and gains.

Money

When working with money, be it cash, checking or credit card. You can look at the money you spent, a negative sum and the money you earned as a positive sum. In the instance of a checkbook, you need to balance, hopefully keeping your account in the positive.

Adding Integers using Money Analogy

Golf Scores

Check out this video that explains how golf scores use integers.