Negative - GCSE Maths Definition

In GCSE Mathematics, the term 'negative' refers to numbers that are less than zero. These numbers are shown with a minus sign (-) in front of them. For example, the negative number -3 (read as "negative three", or, "minus three") is three units below zero on a number line. Negative numbers are used in various areas of mathematics. In calculations, they can be generated by subtracting a larger number from a smaller one. Practical uses of negative numbers include working with temperatures (below the freezing point of water, 0 °C) and in some sports, such as golf ("two under par" would be written as "-2"). Negative numbers follow specific rules in arithmetic whether adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing.