Negative numbers glossary

Here are some words you'll come across when working with negative numbers

A negative number is less than zero.
      -100, -25, -12 and -4 are all negative numbers.

A positive number is more than zero.
      4, 12, 89 and 568 are all positive numbers.

The negative sign goes in front of a negative number.
      Negative 4 is the same as -4.

° is the symbol for degree.
Celsius or C is a scale for measuring temperature.
      6 degrees Celsius is the same as 6°C.

Centigrade is another name for Celsius.

A thermometer is something used to measure temperature.
      The thermometer showed the temperature as -5°C

Water freezes, turns solid into ice, at 0°C

Negative temperatures are called below freezing.

Positive temperatures are called above freezing.

When there is a temperature increase it gets warmer.

When there is a temperature decrease it gets colder.