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Yes, a scalar can be a negative number. For instance:

c<x₁,x₂> = <cx₁,cx₂> such that <x₁,x₂> is a vector.

Let c = -1 for instance. Then, we have this vector:

<-x₁,-x₂>

Compared to <x₁,x₂>, <-x₁,-x₂> has negative signs.

In physics and mathematics, if we multiply the vector or something by a negative value scalar, then the direction of the vector is reversed, and the magnitude stays the same. If the magnitude increases/decreases, and the direction of the vector is reversed, then we can multiply the vector by any negative non-1 scalar value.

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Q: Can scalar be a negative number?
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