JENECONKMaths Universe

Negative Numbers

Ages 9–13

Difficulty adapts to you

Negative Numbers

Negative numbers are less than zero. A number line helps you compare them and model temperature, elevation, debt, and movement.

Your goals

  • ✓You can understand numbers below zero and calculate across zero.
  • ✓You can use negative number, opposite correctly.
  • ✓You can use position on a number line when you compare.

Words to know

negative number:
A number less than zero.
opposite:
A number the same distance from zero on the other side.

Examples

  • 1-3 is greater than -7 because it is farther right on a number line.
  • 24 - 9 = -5 because you move nine steps left from 4.

More than one way to solve it

Try each method, then choose the one you can explain and check most clearly.

Method 1

Number-line movement

Best for: Seeing direction and crossing zero
  1. 1.Start at the first number.
  2. 2.Move right for a positive change or left for a negative change.
  3. 3.Read the landing point.

Example: -3 + 7 starts at -3 and moves 7 right to 4.

Method 2

Positive and negative counters

Best for: Understanding cancellation
  1. 1.Represent positives and negatives with different counters.
  2. 2.Cancel zero pairs.
  3. 3.Count what remains.

Example: Five positive and eight negative counters leave three negative counters, so 5 + (-8) = -3.

Check these

  • • Do not think a negative number is greater because its digits look larger.
  • • Keep every number, symbol, label, and unit in its correct place.
  • • Choose the method that makes each step easiest to explain and check.

Helpful habits

  • • Read the whole question before choosing what to do.
  • • Show one clear step at a time and check each step.
  • • If you are stuck, draw a model, try smaller numbers, or revisit the example.

Now try your own

Create your own negative numbers example, solve it, and explain how you checked it.

Byte

Byte

Helpful Hints

“Use your fingers or objects to count — it helps!”