To solve problems with negative numbers, students can use these helpful strategies:

1. Understanding the Number Line:

   • Picture a number line. This helps you see where negative numbers are compared to positive numbers.

2. Rules for Doing Math:

   • Addition:
     • When you add two negative numbers, like $(-a) + (-b)$, you get $-(a + b)$.
     • If you add a positive number and a negative number, like $a + (-b)$, it becomes $a - b$.
   • Subtraction:
     • When you subtract a negative number, like $a - (-b)$, it turns into $a + b$.
   • Multiplication:
     • When you multiply two negative numbers, like $(-a) \times (-b)$, it equals $ab$.
     • But if you multiply a negative number with a positive one, like $(-a) \times b$, then it equals $-ab$.

3. Practice with Real-life Examples:

   • Use negative numbers when talking about things like temperature below zero or money that you owe.

Research shows that practicing regularly can make you better at solving problems with negative numbers by up to 30%!