Recently I tested two Sec 2 students, who are both very weak in math, on their knowledge of arithmetic involving negative numbers, and the result was what I suspected about lower sec students who are very weak in math. It reminded me of a stint I had giving math enrichment to very weak students in a secondary school. Their stories are the same – inability to handle negative numbers and negative signs in algebraic equations.

If you are in Sec 1, take the following test to see if you have acquired basic mastery of negative numbers. You PASS the test if you can answer every question correctly in not more than 8 SECONDS (yes, ONE SECOND per question). (Note: some qns may not have any negative numbers.)

(a)  5 + 3 = ____

(b)  5 – 3 = ____

(c)  – 5 + 3 = ____

(d)  – 5 – 3 = ____

(e)  3 + 5 = ____

(f)  3 – 5 = ____

(g)  – 3 + 5 = ____

(h)  – 3 – 5 = ____

Answers: (a) 8, (b) 2, (c) – 2, (d) – 8, (e) 8, (f) – 2, (g) 2, (h) – 8

If any of your answers are wrong, or you took more than 8 seconds to complete the test correctly, then you need to seriously revise and understand the concept of negative numbers, else your other topics such as algebraic simplification, expansion and factorisation will also be adversely affected. For eg, try the next one:

Simplify     – 3a – [- b – (- 2a)]

Ans :  b – 5a

Of course there are far harder questions. My point is, get your negative numbers in order, then you’ll see improvement in the way you solve algebraic equations. Remember, you’ll get ZERO marks for just one mistake made in the opening line of your half-page long math solution. So do not underestimate the significance of the negative sign.

The importance of Sec 2 Math and Science …

Beware the critical years in math education …

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