Basic Algebra/Introduction to Basic Algebra Ideas/Working With Negative Numbers
Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
- Positive
- Negative
Lesson[edit | edit source]
Negative Numbers[edit | edit source]
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 | edit source]
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 | edit source]
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 | edit source]
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 | edit source]
The negative operation has the same precedence as multiplying and dividing.
Example Problems[edit | edit source]
Practice Games[edit | edit source]
Practice Problems[edit | edit source]