A negative number is a number whose value is always less than zero, and it has a minus (-) sign before it. On a number line, negative numbers are represented on the left side of zero.
The best way to remember is this:
A friend is +, an enemy is −
+ + ⇒ + A friend of a friend is my friend
+ − ⇒ − A friend of an enemy is my enemy
− + ⇒ − An enemy of a friend is my enemy
− − ⇒ + An enemy of an enemy is my friend
Everyday Mathematics
Adding and subtracting negative numbers is essential in workplace scenarios like financial analysis, temperature tracking, and inventory management. Here are some engaging hands-on activities to teach Adding and Subtracting Negative Numbers in the Workplace, along with a materials list:
Profit and Loss Analysis
Activity: Participants calculate net profit or loss using positive and negative numbers.
Materials:
Financial statement templates.
Pens and calculators.
Temperature Changes in Work Environments
Activity: Participants track temperature fluctuations using positive and negative values.
Materials:
Thermometers.
Temperature recording sheets.
Inventory Adjustments
Activity: Participants subtract damaged or lost items from stock using negative numbers.
Materials:
Inventory sheets.
Sample product labels.
Bank Account Balances
Activity: Participants track deposits and withdrawals, including overdrafts, using positive and negative numbers.
Materials:
Bank statement templates.
Pens and calculators.
Workplace Scheduling Adjustments
Activity: Participants subtract missed work hours from total scheduled hours to determine remaining shifts.
Materials:
Scheduling templates.
Pens and markers.
Paper: Graph paper, plain sheets, worksheets.
Writing Tools: Pens, pencils, markers, highlighters.
Calculators: Basic and scientific calculators.
Scenario Cards: Pre-written real-life math problems.
Sorting Trays: For organizing numbers and calculations.
Financial and Payroll Templates: Printable worksheets for financial calculations.
Inventory and Sales Sheets: Tracking templates for workplace applications.
Thermometers: Digital or analog for temperature tracking.
These activities make negative number operations practical and engaging in workplace scenarios. You can explore more strategies for adding and subtracting negative numbers here and additional workplace math applications here.