GCSE Mathematics · key term

Negative number

Definition

A number less than zero, written with a negative sign, such as $-5$ .

Used by Edexcel

Specification N2 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3

Positive and negative numbers describe values on opposite sides of zero. On a number line, positive numbers lie to the right of zero and negative numbers lie to the left. Moving right increases a value; moving left decreases it.
Revise: Calculating with Positive and Negative Numbers

1
Put negative numbers in brackets when substituting them into a calculation, for example $7-(-3)$ .

Create a free account to read GCSE Mathematics revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.

GCSE Mathematics · key term

A number less than zero, written with a negative sign, such as $-5$ .

Used by Edexcel

Specification N2 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3

Positive and negative numbers describe values on opposite sides of zero. On a number line, positive numbers lie to the right of zero and negative numbers lie to the left. Moving right increases a value; moving left decreases it.
Revise: Calculating with Positive and Negative Numbers

1
Put negative numbers in brackets when substituting them into a calculation, for example $7-(-3)$ .

Create a free account to read GCSE Mathematics revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.