signed whole-number format
nounUK /saɪnd həʊl ˈnʌmbə ˈfɔːmæt/
US /saɪnd hoʊl ˈnʌmbər ˈfɔːrmæt/
A way to write a whole number that shows if it is positive or negative.
The signed whole-number format lets us tell +5 apart from -5.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A computer storage layout that keeps a plus or minus sign with a whole number.
The program stores temperatures in a signed whole-number format.
3. A math writing rule where a plus or minus sign comes before the digits.
In signed whole-number format, we write -12 instead of just 12.
4. A data type in programming that allows both positive and negative whole values.
Use the signed whole-number format when values can go below zero.