When you have two negative signs, one turns over, and they add together to make a positive. If you have a positive and a negative, there is one dash left over, and the answer is negative.
What does a plus and a negative equal?
If a positive and a negative number are multiplied or divided, the answer is negative.
How do you add negative and negative numbers?
Two signs
- When adding positive numbers, count to the right.
- When adding negative numbers, count to the left.
- When subtracting positive numbers, count to the left.
- When subtracting negative numbers, count to the right.
What is the rule for a negative plus a positive?
The Rules:
| Rule | Example | |
|---|---|---|
| +(+) | Two like signs become a positive sign | 3+(+2) = 3 + 2 = 5 |
| −(−) | 6−(−3) = 6 + 3 = 9 | |
| +(−) | Two unlike signs become a negative sign | 7+(−2) = 7 − 2 = 5 |
| −(+) | 8−(+2) = 8 − 2 = 6 |
What is the rule for adding two negative numbers?
Adding two negative numbers is easy: you’re just adding two “negative” arrows, so it’s just like “regular” addition, but in the opposite direction. For instance, 4 + 6 = 10, and –4 – 6 = –4 + (–6) = –10.
What happens when you subtract a negative from a positive?
When taking a negative number minus a positive number, drop both minus signs and add the two numbers as if they were both positive; then attach a minus sign to the result.
What’s the answer to negative 3 plus negative 2?
This reads “negative three plus negative 2”. You need to ignore the plus sign and recognize that the second negative means you are subtracting that number. We’re starting at -3. Then we subtract 2. The answer is -5. -3 + (-2) = -5.
What happens when you add a negative number to a positive number?
You start at 4. And then you add the negative number, which means you are moving to the left – in the negative direction. Basically you are subtracting the 2. The answer is 2. 4 + (-2) = 2. Rule 4: Adding negative numbers to negative numbers— treat the problem like subtraction (counting backwards).
Can you give a positive answer to a negative question?
But when you hear a negative question — “aren’t you coming too?” — everything falls apart. Does “yes” mean “yes, I’m coming” or “yes, I’m not coming?” The proper way to give a positive answer to a negative question is one of the many perplexing ambiguities of the English language.
How to multiply and divide with positive and negative numbers?
Multiplying and Dividing with Positive and Negative Numbers. When multiplying or dividing with combinations of positive and negative numbers, you can simplify the process by first ignoring the signs (+/-) and just multiplying or dividing the numbers as if they were both positive.