Question

there is a repulsive force that pushes the two magnets apart. what sign is this force? positive negative

Explanation:

In the context of force between magnets (or in physics when assigning signs to forces), a repulsive force that acts to push objects apart is typically assigned a negative sign (depending on the coordinate system and convention, where attractive forces might be positive or vice - versa, but for two like - charged/magnetized objects, repulsive force is often negative as it opposes the direction of approach or is in the opposite direction of a defined positive force direction). Here, since the force is repulsive (pushing apart), it is a negative force.

Answer:

Negative