Negative numbers

Negative numbers are below zero. A number line helps: adding moves right, subtracting moves left.

Key facts

  • Subtracting a negative is the same as adding: 5 − (−3) = 8.
  • Adding a negative is the same as subtracting: 5 + (−3) = 2.
  • Same signs multiply to positive; different signs to negative.

Worked examples

Example 1

Work out −3 − (−5).

  1. Taking away a negative is adding. −3 + 5
  2. Start at −3 and move 5 right. = 2

Answer: 2

Questions about negative numbers