Negative numbers: solved examples

Worked examples of negative numbers, from easy to hard, with every step written out. Try each one yourself first, then check the working.

✓ Every answer here is computed and checked by the math engine

Easy

Example 1. Work out $1 - (-7)$ .
1. Rewrite the subtraction without brackets. $1 - (-7) = 1 + 7$
2. Work it out. $= 8$
Answer: $8$
Example 2. Work out $-15 + (-7)$ .
1. Rewrite the sum without brackets. $-15 + (-7) = -15 - 7$
2. Work it out. $= -22$
Answer: $-22$
Example 3. Work out $9 + 13$ .
1. Rewrite the sum without brackets. $9 + 13 = 9 + 13$
2. Work it out. $= 22$
Answer: $22$

Example 4. Work out $(-6) \div 1$ .
1. Divide the sizes. $6 \div 1 = 6$
2. The signs are different, so the answer is negative. $(-6) \div 1 = -6$
Answer: $-6$
Example 5. Work out $(-12) \times (-6)$ .
1. Multiply the sizes. $12 \times 6 = 72$
2. The signs are the same, so the answer is positive. $(-12) \times (-6) = 72$
Answer: $72$
Example 6. Work out $7 \times 11$ .
1. Multiply the sizes. $7 \times 11 = 77$
2. The signs are the same, so the answer is positive. $7 \times 11 = 77$
Answer: $77$

Example 7. Work out $1 - (-3) \times 6$ .
1. Multiply first. $(-3) \times 6 = -18$
2. Then subtract. $1 - (-18) = 19$
Answer: $19$
Example 8. Work out $-10 - (-3) \times (-5)$ .
1. Multiply first. $(-3) \times (-5) = 15$
2. Then subtract. $-10 - 15 = -25$
Answer: $-25$
Example 9. Work out $6 - 5 \times (-6)$ .
1. Multiply first. $5 \times (-6) = -30$
2. Then subtract. $6 - (-30) = 36$
Answer: $36$

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