Basic Arithmetic with Positive and Negative Numbers

This applet investigates adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, squaring and cubing with positive and negative numbers. Every time you click "New Problem" a new number appears. You can add to, subtract from, multiply or divide this number by other numbers using the 4 sliders at the bottom of the page. You can also square and cube the number by clicking the buttons at the top of the page. Sometimes dividing will result in a fraction, and you can do the same things to the fraction that you see.

As you drag a slider left and right, you'll see some writing appear on the screen. This tells you what will happen when you release the slider. In other words, you must decide what you want to do, drag the slider to correct position, and then release it. You will then see the number change.You will learn much from this applet if you try to predict the answer to each calculation before you release the mouse and see it happen. Play around and good luck!