Basic Algebra/Introduction to Basic Algebra Ideas/Working With Negative Numbers

Vocabulary

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Positive
Negative

Lesson

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Negative Numbers

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A positive number is a number greater than zero.

A negative number is a number less than zero. You make a negative number by doing the negative operation on a positive number. You use the " – " sign for the negative operation. This sign is the same you use for subtracting.

Adding and Subtracting

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Adding a negative number is the same as subtracting a positive number.

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Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number.

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Multiplying and Dividing

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Multiplying a negative number by a positive number, or a positive number by a negative number makes the result negative.

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Multiplying a negative number by a negative number makes the result positive.

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You do the same for dividing.

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Exponentiating

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Exponentiating a negative number to an even (a number you can divide by two) power makes the result positive.

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Exponentiating a negative number to an odd (a number you can not divide by two) power makes the result negative.

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Order of Operations

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The negative operation has the same precedence as multiplying and dividing.

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Example Problems

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Practice Games

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Practice Problems

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Variables and Expressions
Basic Algebra  
Solving Equations Using Properties of Mathematics
Working With Negative Numbers