Chapter 1: —Directed
(Integers) Numbers
Study Notes for Form 1
1.1 What are Directed Numbers?
Directed numbers are numbers with a positive (+) or negative (−) sign that show direction or
value relative to zero. They are also called integers.
Positive Numbers Negative Numbers Opposite Number
Greater than zero e.g. +4, Less than zero e.g. −3, −7, Same distance, other side
+6, +8 −11 −(−9) = +9
The Number Line
Numbers to the right are larger. Numbers to the left are smaller.
−6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4 +5 +6
← Smaller values Larger values →
1.2 Addition and Subtraction Rules
Signs Rule Example
(+) + (+) Add → Positive result 3 + 4 = 7
(−) + (−) Add → Negative result −3 + (−4) = −7
(+) + (−) or Subtract the smaller from the larger; 4 + (−11) = −7 (11 >
(−) + (+) keep the sign of the bigger number 4, so negative)
Subtracting a negative = adding a
(+) − (−) 5 − (−3) = 5 + 3 = 8
positive
(−) − (+) Add and keep the negative sign −5 − 3 = −8
Worked Examples
Q1 · 4 + (−1) Q2 · 4 + (−11) Q3 · −2 + (−9) + 4 + 3
= 4 − 1 = 3 11 > 4 → negative = = −11 + 7 = −4
−(11 − 4) = −7
1.3.1 Multiplication and Division Rules
Golden Rule: Same signs → Positive | Different signs → Negative
Calculation Signs Result
(+3) × (+4) Same (both +) = +12 ✓ Positive
(−3) × (−4) Same (both −) = +12 ✓ Positive
(+3) × (−4) Different = −12 ✗ Negative
(−3) × (+4) Different = −12 ✗ Negative
(−12) ÷ (−4) Same (both −) = +3 ✓ Positive
(+12) ÷ (−4) Different = −3 ✗ Negative
Worked Examples
Q1 · 3 × (−0.8) − (−2) Q2 · (−0.8) ÷ (−2) + (−2)
= −2.4 − (−2) = −2.4 + 2 = −0.4 = +0.4 + (−2) = 0.4 − 2 = −1.6
Quick Reference Summary
Concept Key Point
Positive number Greater than 0 — to the right of zero on the number line
Negative number Less than 0 — to the left of zero on the number line
Opposite number Flip the sign: opposite of −9 is +9; −(−n) = n
Absolute value Distance from 0, always positive: |−5| = 5, |+5| = 5
Adding (+ and −) Subtract values, keep sign of the bigger number
Subtracting negative Change to addition: a − (−b) = a + b
Multiplying/Dividing Same signs = positive; Different signs = negative
Form 1 Mathematics · Chapter 1: Directed Numbers · Tuition Notes