For the reaction N2(g)+3H2(g)⇌2NH3(g),
Rate=timetakenforchangeChangeinconcentrationofreactantsorproducts
Rate =dt−d[N2]=3−1dtd[H2]=21dtd[NH3]
∴dt−d[N2]=21dtd[NH3]
A negative sign before a reaction rate symbol signifies a decrease in concentration of reactant with increase of time.