Concept Notes 1: The Directional Number Line โ Addition & Subtraction
The set of Integers ($\mathbb{Z}$) extends the number line bidirectionally from zero into positive and negative infinity:

1. Vector Rules of Integer Addition
- Adding two positive integers: Move to the right. The sum is positive:
- Adding two negative integers: Move to the left. The sum is negative:
- Adding a positive and a negative integer: Find the difference between their absolute values and assign the sign of the number with the larger absolute value:
2. Subtraction as Addition of the Additive Inverse
- Additive Inverse: The additive inverse of an integer $a$ is $-a$ ($a + (-a) = 0$).
- Additive inverse of $+7$ is $-7$.
- Additive inverse of $-15$ is $+15$.
- Fundamental Law of Subtraction: To subtract an integer, add its additive inverse:
Worked Examples:
- $8 - (-5) = 8 + 5 = \mathbf{13}$
- $(-12) - (+7) = -12 + (-7) = \mathbf{-19}$
- $(-6) - (-10) = -6 + 10 = \mathbf{4}$