Rational numbers include positive numbers, negative numbers and zero — any number that can be written as a fraction.
Adding and subtracting
On a number line, negatives lie to the left of zero. For example $-3 + 5 = 2$ and $-6 - (-2) = -4$.
Multiplying and dividing
Same signs give a positive; different signs give a negative: $-4 \times 3 = -12$ and $-12 \div 4 = -3$.
The absolute value $|x|$ is the distance from zero, so $|-7| = 7$.
Remember
- Same signs → positive · Different signs → negative.
- $|x|$ is always zero or positive.