1.1.4

Adding Negative Numbers

Test yourself

Negative Numbers

Negative numbers are shown with a minus sign in front (e.g. -3). Negative numbers are less than zero while positive numbers are greater than zero.

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Number line

  • The number line above shows the first three negative numbers (-1, -2 and -3) and the first three positive numbers (1, 2 and 3).
  • Positive numbers are always greater than negative numbers.
  • 0 is called the origin and is not positive or negative.
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Adding negative numbers

  • Adding a negative number is the same as subtracting a positive number.
    • 5 + (-3) = 5 - 3 = 2
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Subtracting negative numbers

  • Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number.
    • 5 - (-3) = 5 + 3 = 8
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Multiplying by negative numbers

  • Positive × positive = positive
  • Negative × negative = positive
  • Positive × negative = negative
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Dividing by negative numbers

  • Positive ÷ positive = positive
  • Negative ÷ negative = positive
  • Positive ÷ negative = negative

Jump to other topics

1Number

1.1Place Value

1.2Factors & Multiples

1.3Operations

1.4Fractions, Decimals & Percentages

1.5Growth & Decay

1.6Measurements & Units

1.7Accuracy

2Algebra

3Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change

4Geometry & Measures

5Probability

6Statistics

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