How do you subtract an integer from another integer without using a number line or counters

Okay, so, I think I understand your problem. Not everyone knows how to subtract the different positive and negative integers, and not everyone is great at math. I understand that, so that is why I will give you a couple of tips. First off, whenever you are subtracting a negative integer and another negative integer, the answer will always be negative. When you are subtracting two positives, depending on the number values, they will either be positive or negative. And when subtracting a positive and negative, the answers will always be positive. Other then that, you can use mental math, or write out the problems on a sheet of paper.