Negative Numbers
Negative numbers are numbers less than zero and are used to represent values such as temperatures below freezing or money owed.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Negative numbers are written with a minus sign: −1, −5, −10
On a number line, negative numbers are to the left of zero; −3 is less than −1
The further a negative number is from zero, the smaller its value (e.g. −10 < −2)
Adding a negative number is the same as subtracting; subtracting a negative is the same as adding
Key Vocabulary
Negative number
Any number less than zero, shown with a minus sign (e.g. −4)
Positive number
Any number greater than zero
Integer
A whole number (positive, negative, or zero) with no decimal or fraction part
Number line
A line where numbers are placed in order; negative numbers sit to the left of zero
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Which list of numbers is in order from smallest to largest?
Question 2
The temperature is −3 °C. It rises by 8 °C. What is the new temperature?
Question 3
What is −4 + (−6)?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Negative numbers are written with a minus sign: −1, −5, −10
- ●On a number line, negative numbers are to the left of zero; −3 is less than −1
- ●The further a negative number is from zero, the smaller its value (e.g. −10 < −2)
- ●Adding a negative number is the same as subtracting; subtracting a negative is the same as adding