MINUS meaning and definition

Reading time: 2-3 minutes

What Does Minus Mean? Understanding the Basics of Negative Numbers

When we encounter a minus sign, also known as the negative sign (-), it can be easy to overlook its significance. However, understanding the concept of minus is crucial in mathematics, particularly when working with numbers. In this article, we will delve into what does minus mean and how it relates to negative numbers.

What is Minus?

The minus sign (-) is a mathematical symbol used to indicate that a number is less than zero. When you see a minus sign before a number, it means that the value of that number is subtracted from zero. For example, -5 represents a number that is 5 units away from zero in the negative direction.

Negative Numbers

A negative number is any real number that has a minus sign before it. Negative numbers are used to represent quantities that are less than zero. For instance:

Temperature: A temperature of -20°C indicates a cold day, while a temperature of +20°C means a warm day.
Heights: A height of -5 feet below sea level would mean you're underwater, whereas a height of +5 feet above sea level would indicate you're on a hill.
Financial transactions: A withdrawal of $-50 from your bank account means you've taken out 50 dollars, while a deposit of $+50 means you've added 50 dollars to your account.

Properties of Minus

When working with negative numbers, it's essential to understand the properties of the minus sign:

Addition and Subtraction: When adding or subtracting positive and negative numbers, the minus sign can be treated as a "switch" that flips the direction of the operation.
- +5 + (-3) = 2 (The minus sign flips the direction, making it an addition)
- +5 - (+3) = 2 (The plus sign flips the direction, making it a subtraction)
Multiplication: When multiplying by a negative number, the result is also negative.
- (+5) × (-3) = -15
Division: When dividing by a negative number, the result is also negative if the dividend (the number being divided) is positive, and positive if it's negative.
- (+10) ÷ (-2) = -5

Conclusion

In conclusion, the minus sign (-) is a crucial symbol in mathematics that indicates a number is less than zero. Understanding what does minus mean helps you work with negative numbers effectively, whether you're dealing with temperatures, heights, or financial transactions. By grasping the properties of the minus sign and how it interacts with positive numbers, you'll be better equipped to tackle mathematical problems and make informed decisions in various aspects of life.

References

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). (2000). Principles and Standards for School Mathematics.
Khan Academy. (n.d.). Understanding Negative Numbers. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/math/basic-algebra/intro-to-negative-numbers

About the Author

[Your Name] is a mathematics enthusiast with a passion for sharing knowledge about numbers and their properties. With experience in teaching and tutoring, [Your Name] aims to make complex concepts accessible to everyone. In this article, [Your Name] provides an overview of what does minus mean and its significance in understanding negative numbers.

Next words:

minus minuscule minute minutes minutus miracle miracles miraculous mirages mirare mirror mirrored mirroring mirrors mirth mis misaligned misaligning misalignment misallocated