We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium
First, let's organize the exercise in a way that will make it easier and more convenient to solve.
Notice that the number 30 appears twice in the exercise, so let's start with it:
Let's look at the exercise:
Since we move left from zero to minus 30, and then return right 30 steps, we will arrive at the same number we started from: 0
Now let's continue the exercise in the following way:
We'll locate the number minus 2 on the number line, and move left five steps where each step represents one whole number:
We can see that we arrived at minus 7.
What will be the sign of the result of the next exercise?
\( (-2)\cdot(-4)= \)
These are opposites that cancel each other out! When you add a number and its negative, you always get zero. This makes the problem much simpler: .
Moving left means subtracting (going to smaller numbers), and moving right means adding (going to larger numbers). Negative numbers make you move left from your starting position.
When adding negatives, you're moving further left on the number line. So because you move 2 steps left, then 5 more steps left.
Yes! Addition is commutative, so you can rearrange terms to make calculations easier. Grouping opposites like first is a smart strategy.
The parentheses around negative numbers like just show that the whole number is negative. You can think of it as "negative 30" instead of "subtract 30."
Get unlimited access to all 18 Signed Numbers (Positive and Negative) questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.
Unlimited Video Solutions
Step-by-step explanations for every problem
Progress Analytics
Track your mastery across all topics
Ad-Free Learning
Focus on math without distractions
No credit card required • Cancel anytime