Negative numbers are numbers less than zero  – minus temperatures and bank statements, for example, are both negative numbers (also known as minus numbers). Think of negative numbers in just the same way positive ones, with one difference – the higher the negative number, the lower it will be (-78 is lower than -28 for example). Tips: Visualising a number line will help. A negative times a negative equals a positive – e.g. -2 x -2 = 4 A negative times a positive equals a negative – e.g. -2 x 2 = -4 A negative divided by a negative equals a positive – e.g. -8 ÷ -2 = 4 A negative divided... Show more

Negative numbers are numbers less than zero  – minus temperatures and bank statements, for example, are both negative numbers (also known as minus numbers).

Think of negative numbers in just the same way positive ones, with one difference – the higher the negative number, the lower it will be (-78 is lower than -28 for example).

Tips:

Visualising a number line will help.

A negative times a negative equals a positive – e.g. -2 x -2 = 4

A negative times a positive equals a negative – e.g. -2 x 2 = -4

A negative divided by a negative equals a positive – e.g. -8 ÷ -2 = 4

A negative divided by a positive equals a negative – e.g. -8 ÷ 2 = -4

Show less