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Why Negative Numbers are Necessary
publish date: 2026/05/23 08:46:45.384663 UTC
volume_mute
Which of the following equations cannot be solved if negative numbers are not accepted?
Correct Answer
\(2x + 5 = 0\)
Explanation
Without negative numbers, \(2x + 5 = 0\) has no solution since it requires \(x = -5/2\). The other equations all have positive solutions. This illustrates why the extension from natural numbers to integers (including negatives) was essential in the development of algebra.
Reference
Introduction to Differential Calculus (Systematic Studies with Engineering Applications for Beginners) - 2012