Introduction:
The chapter “Integers” in Class 7 Maths focuses on understanding the set of integers, their properties, and how to perform operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with them. Integers are a fundamental concept in mathematics and are used to represent both positive and negative numbers. This chapter forms the foundation for more advanced topics in mathematics.
Key Concepts Covered:
1. What are Integers?
- Integers are the set of whole numbers and their negatives, including zero. In other words, integers consist of:
- Positive integers: Numbers greater than zero (1, 2, 3, 4, …).
- Negative integers: Numbers less than zero (-1, -2, -3, -4, …).
- Zero (0): Zero is considered neither positive nor negative but is included as part of the integers.
- Symbolically: The set of integers is represented as:
Z={…,−3,−2,−1,0,1,2,3,…}
2. Representation of Integers on a Number Line:
- Integers can be represented on a number line, where positive integers are located to the right of zero, and negative integers are located to the left of zero.
- The number line is a useful tool for comparing integers, performing arithmetic operations, and visualizing the relationship between numbers.
Example:
- On the number line:
- Zero (0) is at the center.
- Positive integers (1, 2, 3, …) are to the right.
- Negative integers (-1, -2, -3, …) are to the left.
3. Addition of Integers:
- Addition of two positive integers results in a positive integer.
- Addition of two negative integers results in a negative integer.
- Addition of a positive and a negative integer:
- If the positive integer is greater than the negative integer, the result will be positive.
- If the negative integer is greater, the result will be negative.
- If both integers are equal, the result is zero.
Rules:
- + + → + (Positive + Positive = Positive)
- – + → – or + – → – (Negative + Positive = Negative or Positive + Negative = Negative)
- – – → + (Negative + Negative = Negative, and the result is more negative)
Example:
3+(−5)=−2or(−3)+5=2
4. Subtraction of Integers:
- Subtracting an integer is the same as adding its opposite.
- To subtract an integer, you change the sign of the number to be subtracted and then add.
Example:7−3=7+(−3)=4or(−5)−6=−5+(−6)=−11
5. Multiplication of Integers:
- Multiplying two positive integers results in a positive integer.
- Multiplying two negative integers results in a positive integer.
- Multiplying a positive integer by a negative integer results in a negative integer.
- Multiplying zero by any integer results in zero.
Rules:
- + × + → + (Positive × Positive = Positive)
- – × – → + (Negative × Negative = Positive)
- + × – → – (Positive × Negative = Negative)
- 0 × any integer = 0 (Multiplying by Zero)
Example:4×(−3)=−12or(−4)×(−3)=12
6. Division of Integers:
- Dividing two positive integers results in a positive integer.
- Dividing two negative integers results in a positive integer.
- Dividing a positive integer by a negative integer results in a negative integer.
- Dividing by zero is undefined (division by zero is not possible).
Rules:
- + ÷ + → + (Positive ÷ Positive = Positive)
- – ÷ – → + (Negative ÷ Negative = Positive)
- + ÷ – → – (Positive ÷ Negative = Negative)
- – ÷ + → – (Negative ÷ Positive = Negative)
Example:6÷(−2)=−3or(−6)÷(−2)=3
7. Properties of Integers:
- Commutative Property: For addition and multiplication, the order of numbers does not affect the result.
- Addition: a+b=b+a
- Multiplication: a×b=b×a
- Associative Property: For addition and multiplication, the grouping of numbers does not affect the result.
- Addition: (a+b)+c=a+(b+c)
- Multiplication: (a×b)×c=a×(b×c)
- Distributive Property: Multiplication distributes over addition and subtraction.
- a×(b+c)=a×b+a×c
8. Absolute Value of an Integer:
- The absolute value of an integer is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. It is always non-negative.
- Notation: ∣a∣ represents the absolute value of integer a.
Examples:
- ∣3∣=3
- ∣−5∣=5
Important Questions with Answers:
- What are integers?
- Answer: Integers are the set of whole numbers and their negatives, including zero. They consist of positive integers, negative integers, and zero.
- How do you add two negative integers?
- Answer: When adding two negative integers, the result is negative. Add their absolute values and attach the negative sign.
- What is the absolute value of an integer?
- Answer: The absolute value of an integer is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction, and is always non-negative.
- How do you subtract integers?
- Answer: Subtraction of integers is the same as adding the opposite of the integer to be subtracted.
- What is the product of two negative integers?
- Answer: The product of two negative integers is a positive integer.
- What happens when you multiply a positive integer by a negative integer?
- Answer: When you multiply a positive integer by a negative integer, the result is a negative integer.
- What is the quotient of two integers with different signs?
- Answer: The quotient of two integers with different signs is negative.