Math for Computer Science
5 | Adding and subtracting negative numbers
Back to Table of ContentsPrevious Lesson Next Lesson
Examples
Practice Problems
Introduction
How are negative numbers added and subtracted?
Adding and subtracting negative numbers can be summarized with the following rules:
- Adding a positive results in a move to the right on the number line
- Adding a negative results in a move to the left on the number line
- Subtracting a positive results in a move to the left on the number line
- Subtracting a negative results in a move to the right on the number line
Examples
Adding negative numbers
Q: 5 + (-3)
A: Adding negative 3 results in a move to the left on the number line. Thus, 5 + (-3) is the same as 5 − 3, or 2.
Subtracting negative numbers
Q: 5 − (-3)
A: Subtracting negative 3 results in a move to the right on the number line. Thus, 5 − (-3) is the same as 5 + 3, or 8.
Practice | Adding and Subtracting Negative Numbers
Click "Create Report" upon completion of any practice set to document your progress: Example