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➕pre-algebra review

key term - Negative Integer

Citation:

Definition

A negative integer is a whole number that is less than zero, representing a quantity that is the opposite or inverse of a positive number. Negative integers are commonly used in the context of subtracting integers, where they play a crucial role in determining the direction and magnitude of the difference between two values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Negative integers are represented using a negative sign (-) before the number, such as -1, -5, or -100.
  2. When subtracting integers, negative integers are used to represent the opposite or inverse of the positive integer being subtracted.
  3. The sum of a positive integer and a negative integer with the same absolute value is always zero (e.g., 5 + (-5) = 0).
  4. Negative integers have a lower value than positive integers, with -1 being the smallest negative integer and 0 being the neutral point between positive and negative integers.
  5. Negative integers are often used to represent quantities that decrease or move in the opposite direction, such as temperature below freezing, financial losses, or positions below sea level.

Review Questions

  • Explain how negative integers are used in the context of subtracting integers.
    • Negative integers play a crucial role in the subtraction of integers. When subtracting a positive integer from another positive integer, the negative integer represents the opposite or inverse of the number being subtracted. For example, in the expression 5 - 3, the negative integer -3 represents the opposite of 3, so the result is 2. This allows for the subtraction of larger numbers from smaller numbers, resulting in a negative integer as the difference.
  • Describe the relationship between positive integers, negative integers, and zero on the number line.
    • On the number line, positive integers are represented to the right of zero, with larger positive integers further to the right. Negative integers are represented to the left of zero, with larger negative integers further to the left. Zero is the neutral point between positive and negative integers, representing the absence of quantity. The absolute value of a number, whether positive or negative, represents the distance of that number from zero on the number line.
  • Analyze the role of negative integers in representing quantities that decrease or move in the opposite direction.
    • Negative integers are often used to represent quantities that decrease or move in the opposite direction. For example, negative temperatures below freezing, financial losses, or positions below sea level can all be represented using negative integers. This allows for the accurate representation of these quantities and their relationship to the neutral point of zero. Understanding the use of negative integers is crucial in contexts where quantities decrease or move in the opposite direction from positive values.