1.1.5

The Four Rules for Negative Numbers

Test yourself

The Four Rules for Negative Numbers

You should be able to calculate: the sum, difference, product and quotient of negative numbers as well as positive numbers.

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Calculating the sum

  • When calculating the sum of two negative numbers, you go down the number scale away from 0.
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Calculating the product

  • When you multiply two negative numbers together, the product is positive.
  • But when you multiply one negative number by one positive number the product is always negative.
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Calculating the quotient

  • When both numbers in the division calculation are negative, the quotient is positive.
  • When one number in the division calculation is negative and the other is positive, the quotient is negative.
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Some tips

  • Calculating the sum and difference:
    • If the calculation's function (the + or −) is the same as the sign in front of the 2nd number in the equation, the answer will be positive.
    • If the calculation's function (the + or −) is different to the sign in front of the 2nd number in the equation, the answer will be negative.
  • Calculating the product and quotient:
    • If the numbers in the equation are either both positive or both negative, the answer will be a positive number.
    • If one number in the equation is positive and the other is negative, the answer will be a negative number.

Jump to other topics

1Proof

2Algebra & Functions

2.1Powers & Roots

2.2Quadratic Equations

2.3Inequalities

2.4Polynomials

2.5Graphs

2.6Functions

2.7Transformation of Graphs

2.8Partial Fractions (A2 Only)

3Coordinate Geometry

4Sequences & Series

5Trigonometry

6Exponentials & Logarithms

7Differentiation

8Integration

9Numerical Methods

10Vectors

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