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➕pre-algebra review

Negative Sign

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The negative sign is a mathematical symbol (-) that indicates the opposite or inverse of a positive quantity. It is used to represent negative numbers, subtraction, and certain algebraic operations that result in a decrease or a value less than zero.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The negative sign changes the direction of a quantity, making it the opposite of a positive value.
  2. When subtracting integers, the negative sign indicates that the second number should be subtracted from the first number.
  3. In multiplication and division of integers, the negative sign changes the sign of the result based on the number of negative factors.
  4. The negative sign is used to represent negative numbers on the number line, which are values less than zero.
  5. The negative sign is an important symbol in algebra, as it is used to represent the inverse or opposite of a positive quantity.

Review Questions

  • Explain how the negative sign affects the subtraction of integers.
    • When subtracting integers, the negative sign indicates that the second number should be subtracted from the first number. For example, 5 - (-3) means that you should subtract the negative 3 from the positive 5, which results in 8. The negative sign changes the direction of the subtraction, making the overall operation an addition of the absolute values of the two numbers.
  • Describe the role of the negative sign in the multiplication and division of integers.
    • In the multiplication and division of integers, the negative sign changes the sign of the result based on the number of negative factors. If there is an odd number of negative factors, the result will be negative. If there is an even number of negative factors, the result will be positive. For instance, (-3) × (-4) = 12, as the two negative signs cancel each other out, but (-3) × 4 = -12, as the single negative sign carries over to the result.
  • Analyze the importance of the negative sign in representing negative numbers on the number line and in algebraic expressions.
    • The negative sign is crucial for representing negative numbers on the number line, as it indicates values that are less than zero and in the opposite direction from positive numbers. In algebra, the negative sign is used to represent the inverse or opposite of a positive quantity, allowing for the manipulation of expressions and equations involving negative values. The negative sign is essential for performing operations such as subtraction, division, and solving for unknown variables in algebraic problems.