An even number of negative signs will produce a positive answer. To multiply or divide signed numbers, treat them just like regular numbers but remember this rule: An odd number of negative signs will produce a negative answer. Therefore, using the same rule as in subtraction of signed numbers, simply change every sign within the parentheses to its opposite and then add. If a minus precedes a parenthesis, it means everything within the parentheses is to be subtracted. Subtracting positive and/or negative numbers may also be done “horizontally.” To subtract positive and/or negative numbers, just change the sign of the number being subtracted and then add. When adding two numbers with different signs (one positive and one negative), subtract the absolute values and keep the sign of the one with the larger absolute value. Addition problems can be presented in either a vertical form (up and down) or in a horizontal form (across).

When adding two numbers with the same sign (either both positive or both negative), add the absolute values (the number without a sign attached) and keep the same sign. Note that fractions may also be placed on a number line as shown in Figure 2. If the integers have different signs, the result will have a negative ( ). Given any two numbers on a number line, the one on the right is always larger, regardless of its sign (positive or negative). If both integers have the same sign, the result will have a positive ( + ) sign. Numbers to the left of 0 are negative, as shown in Figure 1. On a number line, numbers to the right of 0 are positive. If no sign is shown, the number automatically is considered positive. The term signed numbers refers to positive and negative numbers. Signed Numbers (Positive Numbers and Negative Numbers) Quiz: Linear Inequalities and Half-Planes.Solving Equations Containing Absolute Value.Inequalities Graphing and Absolute Value.

Quiz: Operations with Algebraic Fractions.

Quiz: Solving Systems of Equations (Simultaneous Equations).

Solving Systems of Equations (Simultaneous Equations).

Quiz: Variables and Algebraic Expressions.

Quiz: Simplifying Fractions and Complex Fractions.

Simplifying Fractions and Complex Fractions.

Quiz: Signed Numbers (Positive Numbers and Negative Numbers).

Signed Numbers (Positive Numbers and Negative Numbers) Negative multiplied by Negative is a positive number, which means that the product of two negative integers is always positive.

Quiz: Multiplying and Dividing Using Zero.

Quiz: Properties of Basic Mathematical Operations.

Properties of Basic Mathematical Operations.

Algebra negative and positive rules