Final answer:
To check if a number is positive or negative, you can use a simple algorithm that compares the number to zero, printing the result based on whether the number is greater than, equal to, or less than zero.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine whether a number is positive (+ve) or negative (-ve), you can write a simple algorithm. This algorithm involves checking if the number is greater than, less than, or equal to zero. Below is an example of how the algorithm can be implemented:
- Start
- Input a number (let's call it 'num')
- If 'num' is greater than 0, then print 'The number is positive.'
- Else if 'num' is less than 0, then print 'The number is negative.'
- Otherwise, print 'The number is zero.'
- End
This algorithm follows the basic rule that numbers to the right of zero on the number line are positive, and numbers to the left are negative. A number's sign is a crucial aspect of its value and affects how it behaves in mathematical operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as indicated in the reference information. Implementing this algorithm in a programming environment can help validate user input or process numerical data efficiently.