negative number

This is the name given to a number that is less than zero.

A negative number is written with a minus sign in front of it, for example –5. There are two ways to say this: ‘minus 5’ or ‘negative 5′.

We can see negative numbers on the number line opposite. These are the numbers represented by points to the left of zero: –1, –2, –3, –4, –5 and so on.

The opposite of negative number is positive number.

See also directed number.