Integer subtraction is different from regular subtraction in a few important ways:

1. Understanding Values:

   • In integer subtraction, you work with both positive and negative numbers. This means it’s really helpful to understand the number line.

2. Techniques:

   • In basic subtraction, you do something like $a - b$, where both $a$ and $b$ are positive numbers.
   • For integer subtraction, you can use a technique called “adding the opposite.” For example, $a - (-b)$ is the same as saying $a + b$.

3. Common Errors:

   • Many students get confused by the signs of the numbers. This confusion leads to about 20% more mistakes in integer subtraction than in basic subtraction.

4. Real-World Application:

   • Integer subtraction is really important in everyday situations, like figuring out temperature changes. About 75% of Year 8 students find this method useful in real life.