Negative Numbers
Negative numbers are numbers less than zero. They appear on the left of zero on a number line and are used for temperatures, depths, and financial contexts.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Negative numbers are written with a minus sign, e.g. -3 or -15
On a number line, numbers increase from left to right: -5 < -2 < 0 < 3
Adding a negative is the same as subtracting: 8 + (-3) = 8 - 3 = 5
Subtracting a negative is the same as adding: 8 - (-3) = 8 + 3 = 11
Key Vocabulary
Negative number
A number less than zero, written with a minus sign, e.g. -4
Integer
Any whole number: positive, negative, or zero
Number line
A line where numbers are placed in order from least to greatest
Opposite
Two numbers the same distance from zero but on opposite sides, e.g. 5 and -5
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Which number is smallest?
Question 2
What is 5 + (-9)?
Question 3
The temperature is -3 degrees at night and rises by 10 degrees. What is the new temperature?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Negative numbers are written with a minus sign, e.g. -3 or -15
- ●On a number line, numbers increase from left to right: -5 < -2 < 0 < 3
- ●Adding a negative is the same as subtracting: 8 + (-3) = 8 - 3 = 5
- ●Subtracting a negative is the same as adding: 8 - (-3) = 8 + 3 = 11