Negative numbersAdding negative whole numbers

Negative numbers are mainly used with coordinates and temperature. Use negative numbers in addition and subtraction problems including subtracting a negative number.

Part ofApplications of MathsNumeracy skills

Adding negative whole numbers

Look at these examples then try the following questions.

Example 1

\(- 2 - 3 = \,-\,2 + (\,-\,3) = \,-\,5\)

Number line spanning minus 5 to plus 4

Example 2

\(- 11 - 4 = - 11 + (\,-\,4) = -\,15 \)

Number line spanning minus 15 to minus 11

Question

\(- 4 - 5\)

Question

\(- 19 - 2\)