WONDER #2327: How Can Negative Numbers Exist?

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is NOT a rule for negative numbers?

1. Subtracting a larger number from a smaller number will result in a negative number.
2. When you multiply two negative numbers, the product is a positive number.
3. When you multiply two negative numbers, the product is a negative number.
4. When a subtraction sign is next to a negative number, you can change them into an addition sign.

Question 2 of 3

What causes a location to have a negative number as an altitude?

1. The location is below sea level.
2. The temperature there is below freezing year-round.
3. The location is above sea level.
4. Most people who live there understand negative numbers.

Question 3 of 3

According to this Wonder, mathematicians in _______________ rejected negative numbers for ages.

1. China
2. India
3. Russia
4. Europe

Check your answers online at https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/How-Can-Negative-Numbers-Exist.