How to Do Negative Numbers on A Scientific Calculator

How to Enter Negative Numbers

Most scientific calculators have a dedicated negative sign button (often marked with a ± symbol). Here's how to use it:

1. Press the number you want to make negative (e.g., 5)
2. Press the ± button to toggle the sign
3. The display will show -5

Alternatively, you can use the change sign function (often labeled as "±" or "CHS" for Change Sign) to toggle between positive and negative values.

Performing Operations with Negative Numbers

Scientific calculators handle operations with negative numbers the same way as they do with positive numbers. Here are some key points:

• Addition and subtraction follow standard rules
• Multiplication of two negatives gives a positive result
• Division of two negatives gives a positive result
• Exponentiation rules apply (negative base to even power is positive, to odd power is negative)

When working with negative numbers, always double-check your operations to ensure you've entered the signs correctly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When working with negative numbers, these mistakes are easy to make:

1. Forgetting to press the ± button before entering a negative number
2. Accidentally pressing the subtraction button instead of the ± button
3. Misinterpreting the order of operations with negative numbers
4. Assuming that negative results are always incorrect

Worked Examples

Example 1: Simple Addition

Calculate (-5) + 3:

1. Press 5, then ± to get -5
2. Press +
3. Press 3
4. Press = to get -2

Example 2: Multiplication

Calculate (-4) × (-6):

1. Press 4, then ± to get -4
2. Press ×
3. Press 6, then ± to get -6
4. Press = to get 24

Example 3: Exponentiation

Calculate (-3)²:

1. Press 3, then ± to get -3
2. Press ^ (or x² if your calculator has a square function)
3. Press = to get 9