1. Negative Number Indicator

The '-' symbol most commonly represents negative numbers on calculator displays. This appears when:

• You enter a negative number using the +/- button
• A calculation results in a negative value
• You're working with temperatures below zero
• Displaying financial losses or debts

2. Subtraction Operation

The '-' symbol also represents the subtraction operation between two numbers:

Where:

• \( a \) — Minuend (first number)
• \( b \) — Subtrahend (second number)
• \( c \) — Difference (result)

Note: The same symbol serves both purposes, but the context determines its meaning.

3. Placeholder or Error

Other Uses: Some calculators display '-' when:

• No calculation has been performed yet
• There's an error in calculation
• The result is too large for the display
• The calculator is in a special mode

4. Calculator Display Examples

Examples:

• -5 → Negative five
• 5-3 → Subtraction of 3 from 5
• --- → Placeholder/error
• -E- → Error condition

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I know if '-' means negative or subtraction?
A: Negative appears before a single number (e.g., -5), subtraction appears between numbers (e.g., 5-3).

Q2: Why does my calculator show ---- sometimes?
A: This typically indicates an error or that the display is being reset.

Q3: Can a calculator show both meanings at once?
A: Yes, in expressions like "5 - -3" where the first '-' is subtraction and the second is negative.

Q4: Do all calculators use '-' the same way?
A: Most do, but some scientific calculators may use different notation in certain modes.

Q5: How do I input a negative number?
A: Usually by typing the number first, then pressing the +/- button to make it negative.