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How to Make A Negative on A Calculator

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

Creating a negative number on a calculator is a fundamental skill that's useful in many areas of mathematics, science, and everyday calculations. Whether you're working with temperatures, financial transactions, or scientific measurements, knowing how to properly represent negative values is essential.

How to Create a Negative Number

There are several ways to create a negative number on a calculator:

  1. Using the negative sign button (-)
  2. Subtracting a larger number from a smaller one
  3. Using the change sign function
  4. Entering a negative value directly

Basic Negative Representation:

To create a negative number, simply place the negative sign (-) before the number. For example, -5 represents negative five.

Most modern calculators have a dedicated negative sign button that you can press before entering a number. This is the most straightforward method and works for both simple and complex calculations.

Different Methods to Make a Negative

Method 1: Using the Negative Sign Button

The most common method is to use the negative sign button (-) on your calculator. Here's how it works:

  1. Press the negative sign button (-)
  2. Enter the number you want to make negative
  3. The calculator will display the negative value

Method 2: Subtraction

You can also create a negative number by subtracting a larger number from a smaller one:

  1. Enter the smaller number
  2. Press the subtraction button (-)
  3. Enter the larger number
  4. Press the equals button (=)
  5. The result will be a negative number

Example: 5 - 10 = -5

Method 3: Change Sign Function

Some calculators have a "change sign" function (often represented by ±) that toggles between positive and negative values:

  1. Enter the number
  2. Press the change sign button (±)
  3. The number will switch between positive and negative

Using a Calculator to Make Negatives

When using a calculator to work with negative numbers, follow these best practices:

  • Always use the negative sign button for clarity
  • Double-check your calculations with negatives
  • Be careful with parentheses when working with negative expressions
  • Use the memory functions to store negative values when needed

Remember that negative numbers follow specific rules in mathematics:

  • Negative plus negative equals negative
  • Positive plus negative equals the difference
  • Negative times negative equals positive

Worked Examples

Example 1: Simple Negative

Problem: Create negative 7

Solution:

  1. Press the negative sign button (-)
  2. Enter 7
  3. Result: -7

Example 2: Subtraction Resulting in Negative

Problem: Calculate 12 - 18

Solution:

  1. Enter 12
  2. Press the subtraction button (-)
  3. Enter 18
  4. Press equals (=)
  5. Result: -6

Example 3: Negative Multiplication

Problem: Calculate -4 × -5

Solution:

  1. Press the negative sign button (-)
  2. Enter 4
  3. Press the multiplication button (×)
  4. Press the negative sign button (-)
  5. Enter 5
  6. Press equals (=)
  7. Result: 20

FAQ

Can I make a negative number without the negative sign button?
Yes, you can create a negative number by subtracting a larger number from a smaller one, as shown in the examples above.
What happens if I press the negative sign twice?
Pressing the negative sign twice will cancel out the negative, resulting in a positive number.
How do I enter a negative decimal number?
First press the negative sign button, then enter the decimal number as you normally would.
Can I use parentheses with negative numbers?
Yes, you can use parentheses to group negative numbers in complex calculations, but be careful with the order of operations.
What's the difference between negative and subtraction?
The negative sign creates a negative value, while subtraction finds the difference between two numbers, which can result in a negative if the first number is smaller.