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

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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]

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Working With Negative Numbers