0
just think of the negative number as below the zero on the number line. just like the positive numbers are above the zero on the number line. then count out how far you have to go to get to your number.
you can also treat the negative number like you a minusing that number
take -3 and 7
-3 + 7 = 4
7 - 3 = 4
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Why does a positive times a negative produces a negative?
Because when there is a positive and a negative in the same problem, it gives you a negative. An easy way to solve problems like that is if there is an odd number of negative signs, then your answer is going to be negative. If there is an even number of negative signs, then your answer is going to be positive. (no matter if there is a positive sign in a math problem).
What examples of common misconceptions students have when working with positive and negative numbers?
Working with a number line to solve there problems.
How do you solve these addition problems -987 plus 987 equals?
Any positive number added to it's negative is always = 0
Will a positive minus a negative always be negative?
No, it will be a positive. Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding its negative value, which is a positive number.4 - (-3) = 4 + 3 = 7Other examplesFor 5-(-7), when there is a negative of a negative, you cross out the negatives and put a plus in their place.See 5+7 and then you solve the problem, 12.Some problems may look like this:6-(-8)+9-(-4) the way you solve this problem is by working from left to right.6+8=14+9-(-4), so what you do here is 14+9 first, 14+9=23-(-4). Now you do 23-(-4), 23+4=27. Thats how you solve a problem like that.
How do you determine negatives or positives in math equations?
Numbers are justified as positive, which is usually written as just a number but can be written with a plus (+) sign in front of the number. (e.g. 15 or +15), or negative. Negative numbers are numbers in the negative integers, or below 0. They are written with a minus (-) sign in front of them. (e.g. -15) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ..::To solve remember these rules::.. When multiplying: positive x negative = negative positive x positive = positive negative x negative = positive When dividing: positive / negative = negative positive / positive = positive negative / negative = positive When adding: In a positive + negative situation, if the negative number has a higher number than the positive (e.g. -25 + 10) then the number is negative, this is always true when adding a higher negative to a positive. If the positive has a higher number (e.g. 25 + -10) then it's just the opposite, it will be a positive number. -------------You can solve these very easily: 25 + -10 --> (25) + (-10) to keep it well organized and easier to work with,now just remember "Keep Change Change"... - keep 25 as it is, change "+" to a "-" and change the "-10" to a positive 10. As a result, you will have: 25 - 10. Now solve. Answer = 15 (positive). If for instance you have a negative + positive, the same rules apply (Keep Change Change) negative + negative = negative positive + positive = positive When subtracting: negative - positive (vice versa), use Keep Change Change as you did with adding positives and negatives. negative - negative, use Keep Change Change positive - positive, use Keep Change Change if the number you are subtracting is a higher number. (e.g. 10-15) If you need anymore help, try asking a more specific question again on Wikianswers, search for math websites on the web, or ask your teacher or college professor for help.
