Year 7 · Maths · Negative numbers · Lesson 1
Adding and subtracting negative numbers
Order negative numbers and add and subtract with negatives using number lines and the sign rules, including temperature problems.
23-minute video lesson
Teaching, worked examples and 20 practice questions solved step by step.
Watch free for a monthWhat your child will learn
- Order positive and negative numbers
- Add to and subtract from negative numbers
- Add and subtract negative numbers
- Simplify two signs
- Solve temperature problems
The method
- Simplify two signs: same signs +, different signs −.
- Start at the first number.
- + moves right, − moves left.
- Draw a number line if it helps.
Key words: negative, number line, integer, temperature, difference.
Worked examples
The first three practice questions from the lesson, with every step.
Question 1
Write in order, smallest first: −7, 2, −3, 0, 5
- Step 1: Use a number line
- Step 2: −7, −3, 0, 2, 5
Answer: −7, −3, 0, 2, 5
Question 2
Write in order, largest first: −12, −2, −8, 6, −1
- Step 1: Use a number line
- Step 2: 6, −1, −2, −8, −12
Answer: 6, −1, −2, −8, −12
Question 3
Work out −5 + 8.
- Step 1: Use a number line
- Step 2: −5 + 8 = 3
Answer: 3