Working with positive and negative numbers might seem tricky at...
Maths304 views·Updated 31 Aug 2026·2 pagesMastering Integer Calculations: Positive and Negative Numbers
Scarlett Edwardes@scarlett_1917
1
of 2
Understanding Integers and Basic Rules
Integers are simply whole numbers that can be positive or negative - no fractions or decimals involved. Think of them as the numbers you'd find on a number line stretching in both directions from zero.
The key to mastering integer calculations is memorising a few simple rules. For addition, remember that adding a negative is the same as subtracting: positive + positive stays positive, but mixing signs gives you the sign of the larger number.
Subtraction has a neat trick - subtracting a negative actually makes it positive! So negative - negative becomes positive. For multiplication and division, the rule is simple: same signs give positive results, different signs give negative results.
Top Tip: When you see two negative signs together , they always become positive. It's like a double negative in English!
2
of 2
Working Through Examples Step-by-Step
Let's see these rules in action with some exam-style questions. Breaking down complex problems into smaller steps makes them much more manageable.
Example 1: 5× First, tackle what's inside the brackets: 6+-8 becomes 6-8 = -2. Then multiply: 5× = -10. Remember, positive times negative always equals negative.
Example 2: ×
Solve each bracket separately: 6÷ = -2, and 2--1 becomes 2+1 = 3. Finally: ×3 = -6. Always work through brackets first, then apply your multiplication rules.
Exam Strategy: Always show each step clearly in your working - even if you make a small error, you'll still get marks for using the correct method.
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Maths304 views·Updated 31 Aug 2026·2 pagesMastering Integer Calculations: Positive and Negative Numbers
Scarlett Edwardes@scarlett_1917
Working with positive and negative numbers might seem tricky at first, but once you learn the basic rules, calculations with integers become straightforward. These skills are essential for GCSE maths and will help you tackle more complex algebraic problems with...
1
of 2
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Understanding Integers and Basic Rules
Integers are simply whole numbers that can be positive or negative - no fractions or decimals involved. Think of them as the numbers you'd find on a number line stretching in both directions from zero.
The key to mastering integer calculations is memorising a few simple rules. For addition, remember that adding a negative is the same as subtracting: positive + positive stays positive, but mixing signs gives you the sign of the larger number.
Subtraction has a neat trick - subtracting a negative actually makes it positive! So negative - negative becomes positive. For multiplication and division, the rule is simple: same signs give positive results, different signs give negative results.
Top Tip: When you see two negative signs together , they always become positive. It's like a double negative in English!
2
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Working Through Examples Step-by-Step
Let's see these rules in action with some exam-style questions. Breaking down complex problems into smaller steps makes them much more manageable.
Example 1: 5× First, tackle what's inside the brackets: 6+-8 becomes 6-8 = -2. Then multiply: 5× = -10. Remember, positive times negative always equals negative.
Example 2: ×
Solve each bracket separately: 6÷ = -2, and 2--1 becomes 2+1 = 3. Finally: ×3 = -6. Always work through brackets first, then apply your multiplication rules.
Exam Strategy: Always show each step clearly in your working - even if you make a small error, you'll still get marks for using the correct method.
We thought you’d never ask...
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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