Question 201704
Think of subtracting a number and gradually decreasing what you subtract until you subtract zero. The less you subtract the higher your answer. Now make the amount you subtract negative will mean you are adding something instead of subtracting. Because minus minus equals plus.


If I add a positive amount I am adding the amount, if I add a negative amount I am subtracting the amount


e.g. 5 + 12 =17; 15 + – 3 = 12


If I subtract a positive amount I am subtracting the amount, if I subtract a negative amount I am adding the amount


e.g. 12 – 7 = 5; 12 – – 7 = 19


So like the signs ‘multiply’ when adding and subtracting they also multiply when multiplying or dividing. It is only the amounts which add, subtract, multiply or divide according to the operator.


Hope this helps.