Class 7 Mathematics

Chapter 1: Integers

STAGE 0: Foundation

Integers are numbers that include positive numbers, negative numbers, and zero.

We use integers to show situations like:

• Temperature above and below zero
• Profit and loss
• Height above and below sea level
• Money gained and money owed

STAGE 1: What are Integers?

Integers are written as:

..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...

• Positive Integers: 1, 2, 3, 4, ...
• Negative Integers: -1, -2, -3, -4, ...
• Zero: 0 (neither positive nor negative)

STAGE 2: Number Line

A number line helps us understand integers clearly.

• Zero (0) is at the centre
• Positive numbers are on the right side
• Negative numbers are on the left side

The farther a number is from zero, the greater its value.

STAGE 3: Comparing Integers

Rules to compare integers:

• Any positive integer is greater than zero
• Zero is greater than any negative integer
• Among negative integers, the one with smaller value is greater

Examples:

• -3 < -1
• 5 > 0
• -10 < -5

STAGE 4: Addition of Integers

Rule 1: Adding two positive integers gives a positive result.

Example: 3 + 5 = 8

Rule 2: Adding two negative integers gives a negative result.

Example: -4 + (-6) = -10

Rule 3: Adding a positive and a negative integer:

• Subtract their values
• Take the sign of the bigger number

Example: 7 + (-5) = 2

STAGE 5: Subtraction of Integers

Subtraction of integers means adding the opposite number.

Rule:
a − b = a + (−b)

Examples:

• 5 − 3 = 5 + (−3) = 2
• 4 − (−2) = 4 + 2 = 6
• −6 − 4 = −6 + (−4) = −10

STAGE 6: Practice Questions

1. Write five positive integers.
2. Write five negative integers.
3. Compare: −7 and −3.
4. Find: 6 + (−9).
5. Find: −8 − (−5).

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Shaktimatha CBSE Learning
Class 7 Mathematics – Chapter 1: Integers

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