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.

Spark

Spark

Creativity & Innovation

“Create your own maths challenge and solve it!”