Negative Numbers - The Simpler Way to Remember

You might be doing some Math for the first time in forever, (Yes, I have watched Frozen, a lot, and if you have too, then you know what I'm talking about.) and negative numbers might be unclear to you and annoying. You must understand how they work in order to get other problems correct. It might seem too easy for you, but trust me, it's these little mistakes that stop people from doing math, and it SHOULDN'T!

These problem areas can be worked on for maybe 30 minutes, or maybe 10 minutes, 3 times a week for 3 weeks and completely fixed. Yes, I totally made up those times, because I do not know you and your situation. You can be the judge of that. Here's what I'm going to show you today.

1. How to add and subtract with negative numbers

2. How to multiply and divide with negative numbers

Let's get right to it. 

How to Add and Subtract with Negative Numbers

1. Change all subtractions to adding the opposite

2. If they are the same sign, add and use that sign

3. If they are different signs, (act like they're positive) subtract smallest from largest, and use the sign of the larger one

Please note, for these steps to work you must do the first one correctly. Please watch this video to ensure you understand. 

VIDEO on Adding and Subtracting with Negative Numbers

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Next: How to Multiply and Divide with Negative Numbers 

1. Ignore the signs and multiply and/or divide from left to right

2. It the problem started with an even amount of negative values then the product is positive

3. If the problem started with an odd amount of negative values, then the product is negative

You can also do this step by step, but the odd and even number seems to be the easiest, especially if you don't use it for a while.
Please watch the video to ensure you understand.

VIDEO on Multiplying and Dividing with Negative Numbers

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I hope this has helped you! Remember this will all build up to allow you to do more and more math. Share with your friends who claim they can't learn it, and let me know your feedback! Thanks!