Negative Numbers
Maths: Edexcel A Level Pure Maths, topic 1.1.3
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.
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.
Adding negative numbers
- Adding a negative number is the same as subtracting a positive number.
- 5 + (-3) = 5 - 3 = 2
Subtracting negative numbers
- Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number.
- 5 - (-3) = 5 + 3 = 8
Multiplying by negative numbers
- Positive × positive = positive
- Negative × negative = positive
- Positive × negative = negative
Dividing by negative numbers
- Positive ÷ positive = positive
- Negative ÷ negative = positive
- Positive ÷ negative = negative
Test yourself on Negative Numbers
What is 7 - (-5)?
What is (-3) × (-7)?
What is (4) + (-9)?
What is 8 × (-3)?
Which of the following are correct?