Start teaching with subtracting positive integers. It is fairly simple because it's something that students have done before. Choose two positive integers to addsuch as "+4 - +4 =." Explain that since there is a "-" sign in the middle before the "+" sign, it becomes the same as "4 - 4." Let them know that when a "-" sign and a "+" sign are side by side, they always combine and become a "-" sign. Let them know that the final answer will be "0."
Write down an example using two negative integers such as "-4 - -4 =." Explain to the students that when subtracting two negative integers, the two "-" signs beside each other will always combine and become a "+" sign. Show them that now it looks like this "-4 + 4 =." Let them know that the final answer will be "0."
Choose two integers with opposite signs to subtract such as "-4 -+4 =." Explain to the students that the "-" sign and the "+" sign will combine and become a "-" sign, similar to subtracting two positive integers. Let them that when ever a "-" sign and a "+" sign are side by side, regardless of which one comes first, they will always combine and become a "-" sign. Ask a student to read the final answer. The final answer will be "-8."
Explain to the students that when subtracting integers there is a simple rule to follow. When subtracting a negative integer from a positive integer, the two integers will be added. For example, "+4 - -4 =" is similar to subtracting two negative integers, as the two "-" signs will combine and become a "+" sign. Write down the final answer. The answer will be "+8."