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Negative numbers are numbers that are less than zero. They are represented with a minus sign in front of them. For example, -36 is a negative number.
These numbers are found to the left of zero on a number line.
One of the key things to remember is how they behave when you add or subtract them.
When you add a negative number to a positive number, you are essentially subtracting the positive number.
For example, adding -3 to 5 gives you 2 (because you are subtracting 3 from 5).
Understanding this will help you handle arithmetic operations involving negative numbers more confidently.

Addition is one of the basic arithmetic operations and involves combining two or more numbers to get a total.
The process is straightforward with positive numbers, but it can get confusing with negative numbers.
For instance, adding -36 and 0, like in the exercise, uses the identity property of addition. This property states that any number plus 0 remains the same number: a + 0 = a

Using the Identity Property

When you add 0 to -36, the result is -36 itself. This is because adding zero doesn’t change the value of the initial number.
Understanding this property makes calculations easier and ensures you get correct results.
It is also helpful to recall that the order in which you add numbers doesn’t matter—a property known as the commutative property of addition.

A number line is a visual representation of numbers on a straight line.
It's a great tool for understanding addition and subtraction of both positive and negative numbers.
Numbers increase as you move to the right and decrease as you move to the left.
For example, to verify -36 + 0 = -36 using a number line:

• Start at -36 on the number line.
• Since you are adding 0, you don't move in either direction.

The result is straightforward because you remain at -36.

Checking Results

Using the number line helps to check your calculations. Adding zero means staying at the same point, confirming that -36 + 0 indeed equals -36.
This method is simple yet effective for visual learners who benefit from seeing the math in action.