HSPT Math : Negative numbers

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : How To Add / Subtract / Multiply / Divide Negative Numbers

Which of the following operations always gives a negative result?

Possible Answers:

A negative number added to a negative number

A negative number divided by a negative number

A negative number subtracted from a negative number 

A negative number taken to the power of a positive integer

A negative number multipled by a negative number

Correct answer:

A negative number added to a negative number

Explanation:

The sum of two negative numbers is always negative, hence, this is the right choice.

As for the other choices:

The product or quotient of two negative numbers is always positive

A negative number taken to the power of a positive integer can be either negative or positive depending on whether the exponent is even or odd. , which is positive, and , which is negative.

The difference of negative numbers can be either negative, positive, or zero:

, but 

Example Question #1 : Negative Numbers

If  is a positive number, and  is also a positive number, what is a possible value for ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Because \dpi{100} \small -3b is positive, \dpi{100} \small b must be negative since the product of two negative numbers is positive.

Because \dpi{100} \small ab is also positive, \dpi{100} \small a must also be negative in order to produce a prositive product.

To check you answer, you can try plugging in any negative number for \dpi{100} \small a.

Example Question #2 : How To Add / Subtract / Multiply / Divide Negative Numbers

If x is a negative integer, what else must be a negative integer?

 

Possible Answers:

x – (–x)

x – x

x² – x

Correct answer:

x – (–x)

Explanation:

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 : How To Add / Subtract / Multiply / Divide Negative Numbers

–7 – 7= x

–7 – (–7) = y

what are x and y, respectively

Possible Answers:

y = 0, x = 14

x = –14, y = 14

x = 0, y = 0

x = 14, y = –14

x = –14, y = 0

Correct answer:

x = –14, y = 0

Explanation:

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

Solve for :

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Begin by isolating your variable.

Subtract  from both sides:

, or 

Next, subtract  from both sides:

, or 

Then, divide both sides by :

Recall that division of a negative by a negative gives you a positive, therefore:

 or 

Example Question #1 : How To Divide Negative Numbers

Solve the following equation:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The rule for dividing negative numbers is the same as for multiplying negative numbers.  

If both numbers are negative, you will get a positive answer.  

If either number is positive, and the other is negative, you will get a negative answer.  

Therefore:

Example Question #2 : How To Add / Subtract / Multiply / Divide Negative Numbers

Choose the answer which best solves the following equation:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To solve, first put the equation in terms of :

First multiply the x to both sides.

Now divide by 12 to solve for x.

Here, because one of the numbers in the equation is positive, and the other is negative, the answer must be a negative number:

Example Question #2 : Negative Numbers

Evaluate:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To evaluate this, rewrite the expression with the correct signs.

Positive multiplied with a negative sign results in a negative, and a double negative results in a positive sign.

Example Question #583 : Hspt Mathematics

Subtract:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

It is possible to rewrite the expression as:

Take the negative of the difference of 47 and 23.

The answer is .

Example Question #1 : Negative Numbers

Solve:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Evaluate the inner term inside the parenthesis first.  The expression can then be simplifed to an integer.

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