WONDER #2327: How Can Negative Numbers Exist?

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is NOT a rule for negative numbers?

  1. Subtracting a larger number from a smaller number will result in a negative number.
  2. When you multiply two negative numbers, the product is a positive number.
  3. When you multiply two negative numbers, the product is a negative number.
  4. When a subtraction sign is next to a negative number, you can change them into an addition sign.

Question 2 of 3

What causes a location to have a negative number as an altitude?

  1. The location is below sea level.
  2. The temperature there is below freezing year-round.
  3. The location is above sea level.
  4. Most people who live there understand negative numbers.

Question 3 of 3

According to this Wonder, mathematicians in _______________ rejected negative numbers for ages.

  1. China
  2. India
  3. Russia
  4. Europe

Check your answers online at https://www.wonderopolis.org/index.php/wonder/How-Can-Negative-Numbers-Exist.