Explore Negative Number Addition
Discover how adding a negative number to zero works. Enter a negative number below and visualize the result on the number line.
Enter the positive magnitude of the negative number.
Number Line Visualization
Visualizing adding a negative number to zero on a number line.
Tip: Adding a negative number to zero always results in the same negative number. Think of it as starting at zero on the number line and moving to the left by the magnitude of the negative number. For example, 0 + (-5) = -5.
Understanding Negative Numbers
Negative numbers are numbers less than zero. They are used to represent quantities that are opposite to positive numbers, such as temperatures below zero, debts, or directions to the left on a number line. When you add a negative number to zero, you are essentially moving to the left on the number line from zero.
- Definition: A negative number is any number less than zero.
- Example: If you start at 0 and add -3, you end up at -3. This is because adding -3 is the same as subtracting 3 from 0.
- Number Line: On a number line, negative numbers are located to the left of zero.
- Formula: Adding a negative number to zero can be represented as:
0 + (-a) = -a, where 'a' is a positive number.
Learn more about negative numbers on resources like Math is Fun and Khan Academy.