Positive and negative numbers
Last updated: 26 Nov 2008
Positive numbers are all the numbers greater than zero.
Negative numbers are all the numbers less than zero.
Zero is neither positive nor negative.
Rules for combining positive and negative numbers
-
If
and
are both positive then
,
and
are all positive. For example
-
If
and
are both negative then
is negative and
and
are both positive. For example
-
If
is positive and
is negative then
and
are both negative. For example
Can you please assist in the below...
1)Considering rule 2, What would be the outcome of -9 -(-3)=?
2)Considering rule 3, What would be the outcome of (+8)+(-4)=?
3)Considering rule 3, What would be the outcome of (+8)-(-4)=?
hrishikeshgmat,
The rules on this page apply to any value of x and y and so can be very useful particularly in data sufficiency questions when you may not know the values.
There are no general rules for the examples you have given for example a negative number minus another negative number could be positive, zero or negative.
The answers to the particular sums you have asked about are
1) -9 - (-3) = -9 + 3 = -6
2) 8 + (-4) = 8 - 4 = 4
3) 8 - (-4) = 8 + 4 = 12
i have problems in trying to interpret intergers and real number interms of word problem.. please have a tutorial on that aspect...