All SAT Math Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Negative Numbers
If x is a negative integer, what else must be a negative integer?
x² – x
x – (–x)
x²
x – x
x – (–x)
By choosing a random negative number, for example: –4, we can input the number into each choice and see if we come out with another negative number. When we put –4 in for x, we would have –4 – (–(–4)) or –4 – 4, which is –8. Plugging in the other options gives a positive answer. You can try other negative numbers, if needed, to confirm this still works.
Example Question #2 : Negative Numbers
–7 – 7= x
–7 – (–7) = y
what are x and y, respectively
x = –14, y = 0
x = 0, y = 0
x = 14, y = –14
x = –14, y = 14
y = 0, x = 14
x = –14, y = 0
x: –7 – 7= –7 + –7 = –14
y: –7 – (–7) = –7 + 7 = 0
when subtracting a negative number, turn it into an addition problem
Example Question #1 : Negative Numbers
Evaluate:
Reconvert into single signs. Remember that double negatives will turn into a positive.
Example Question #2 : Negative Numbers
Subtract:
Subtracting a negative number moves the number farther left of the zero digit on the number line.
The answer is:
Example Question #3 : Negative Numbers
Subtract:
Simplify the expression by eliminating the double negative signs. Two negatives multiplied by one another will result in a positive number.
Convert the signs.
Add the right side of the equation.
The answer is .
Example Question #3 : Negative Numbers
Simplify the following expression:
Simplify the following expression:
To subtract negative numbers, we must recall that subtracting negative numbers is the same as adding a positive. The two negatives cancel each other out to become positive.
So our answer is negative 220
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