Adding and subtracting negative numbers can be tricky, especially for those of us who didn’t pay close attention in math class! But with a little bit of practice and a lot of positive thinking, it’s actually pretty simple. Here are the basics to help you add and subtract negative numbers with ease.
Add a Little Sparkle to Negative Numbers
Adding negative numbers is quite straightforward. All you need to do is add the absolute values of the numbers and put a negative sign in front of the answer. For example, -4 + -3 = -7. Easy peasy!
If you’re adding a positive and a negative number, the rule of thumb is to subtract the absolute value of the negative number from the positive number. For example, 5 + -3 = 2. A great way to remember this is to "sparkle" the negative number by putting the sign in front of it. 5 + (-3) = 2.
Subtraction Magic with Negative Numbers
Subtracting negative numbers is also simple. Just like with addition, subtract the absolute values of the numbers and then put a negative sign in front of the answer. For example, -5 – -7 = -2.
When subtracting a positive and a negative number, the rule of thumb is to add the absolute values of the numbers and put a positive sign in front of the answer. For example, 7 – -3 = 10. Once again, you can use the “sparkle” method. 7 – (-3) = 10.
With practice, you’ll soon be a negative number maestro! With the basics down, you’re on your way to conquering math equations with negative numbers. Happy subtracting!