📖Definition
Negative numbers are numbers less than zero, represented with a minus sign (-) in front. They appear on the left side of zero on a number line and are used to represent quantities like debt, temperature below freezing, or elevation below sea level.
📐Formula
On a number line, negative numbers are to the left of zero. The further left you go, the smaller the number. So -5 is less than -2, even though 5 is greater than 2.
📝Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding Negative Numbers
Negative numbers represent values less than zero. Think of them as opposites of positive numbers on a number line.
Adding with Negative Numbers
Adding a negative is the same as subtracting. Adding two negatives gives a more negative result.
Subtracting Negative Numbers
Subtracting a negative is the same as adding. Two negatives make a positive!
Multiplying and Dividing
Positive × Positive = Positive; Negative × Negative = Positive; Positive × Negative = Negative.
⚠️Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking that -5 is greater than -2 (it's actually less)
- Forgetting that subtracting a negative becomes addition
- Mixing up the rules for addition and multiplication
- Not using parentheses to avoid confusion with operations
- Thinking a negative times a negative equals a negative
✏️Practice Problems
Calculate 8 + (-5)
Answer: 3
Calculate (-12) - (-7)
Answer: -5
Calculate (-4) × 5 - (-10) ÷ 2
Answer: -15
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