Before we get started on addition of negative numbers. It’s important to understand the meaning of negative numbers first. A negative number has a value less than zero and is denoted with a minus (-) sign before it.  These numbers can be integers, fractions or decimals. They include -4, -6, -15, -0.5 and -4/5. In addition to that, these numbers are placed on the left side of the number line. Moreover, these numbers are always used to represent a debt, loss or deficiency.

Just like positive numbers, you can also add negative numbers when you understand the concept.  This articles explore examples to add negative numbers.

Addition of negative numbers

When you add a negative number to a negative number, you simply add the numbers and use the negative sign (-) in the answer. Here are simple examples:

-20 + -30 = -50

-60 + -80 = -140

-30 + -90 = -120

-50 + -200 = -250

-90 +-80 = -170

Applications of negative numbers

Negative numbers are used in the fields:

Finance

·         Refunds to a debit card and credit card.

·         Annual percentage growth in a particular country (GDP).

·         Rate the inflation indicating fall in normal prices.

·         Interest rates can also be negative.

·         It can represent a debt or deficit.

Science

·         Temperature scale like Celsius.

·         Ions with either negative or positive charge.

·         Latitudes on the south of the equator and longitudes on the west of the prime meridian.

·         Electrical circuits.

·         Topographical features of the earth on height above sea level like Death Valley and Dead Sea.

·         Directional antenna arrays can be negative.

Sports

·         Goal difference in football or hockey and point’s difference in rugby or golf.

·         Lap times in formula.

·         Athletics events like hurdles, sprint races, long jump, and triple jump.

·         Club points after deduction.

·         Run differential in baseball.        

Others

·         Video games.

·         Playing audio file.

·         Working hours.

·         Television game shows.

·         A politician approval rating.