What is neg?

Negative numbers are numbers less than zero. They are used to represent quantities that are below a reference point, such as temperature below zero, debt, or altitude below sea level.

Here's some key information:

• Definition: A negative number is a real number that is less than zero.

• Notation: Negative numbers are denoted with a minus sign (-) preceding the number (e.g., -5).

• Number Line: On the number line, negative numbers are located to the left of zero.

• Operations:

  • Addition: Adding a negative number is the same as subtracting a positive number.
  • Subtraction: Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number.
  • Multiplication: Multiplying a negative number by a positive number results in a negative number. Multiplying two negative numbers results in a positive number.
  • Division: Dividing a negative number by a positive number results in a negative number. Dividing two negative numbers results in a positive number.

• Absolute Value: The absolute value of a negative number is its distance from zero, and is therefore always positive. (e.g., |-5| = 5).

• Real-world Applications: Used extensively in finance (debt, losses), science (temperature, energy levels), and engineering (measurements relative to a datum).