Basic Algebra/Introduction to Basic Algebra Ideas/Working With Negative Numbers
Vocabulary edit
- Positive
- Negative
Lesson edit
Negative Numbers edit
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 edit
Adding a negative number is the same as subtracting a positive number.
Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number.
Multiplying and Dividing edit
Multiplying a negative number by a positive number, or a positive number by a negative number makes the result negative.
Multiplying a negative number by a negative number makes the result positive.
You do the same for dividing.
Exponentiating edit
Exponentiating a negative number to an even (a number you can divide by two) power makes the result positive.
Exponentiating a negative number to an odd (a number you can not divide by two) power makes the result negative.
Order of Operations edit
The negative operation has the same precedence as multiplying and dividing.
Example Problems edit
Practice Games edit
Practice Problems edit