Negative numbers
- Use a number line.
- Adding moves right.
- Subtracting moves left.
Answer: -4 + 6 = 2
🔢 Number
Negative numbers
Learn negative numbers with a GCSE-style explanation, help guide, worked example, practice question and flashcards.
Global XP
Level 10 / 100 XP
1. Explanation
Key idea
- Negative numbers is part of number and appears often in KS3–GCSE maths.
- Negative numbers are less than zero.
- Use the worked model, help guide, interactive question and flashcards to practise negative numbers until the steps feel automatic.
Real-life examples
- Shopping, sport, travel, science, design and everyday decisions all use this skill.
2. Visual
Negative numbers learning map
Understand the key idea → follow the help guide → practise a question → check your method → build speed with flashcards.
3. Help guide
How to tackle Negative numbers
- Learn the rule: Negative numbers are less than zero.
- Worked model: Use a number line. Adding moves right. Subtracting moves left.
- Try the interactive question without looking at the answer first.
- Use the flashcards to test the rule, the method and a common check.
4. Worked examples
Step-by-step working
5. Interactive questions
Try it yourself
Calculate -3 + 8.
6. Flashcards
Master quick recall
Flip each card, then choose whether you know it or need more practice.
0 mastered
FrontRule for Negative numbers
BackNegative numbers are less than zero.
FrontExample answer: Calculate -3 + 8.
BackStarting at -3 and adding 8 gives 5.
FrontCommon check for Negative numbers
BackCheck units/notation, compare with an estimate, and make sure the answer matches the question.
7. Finish
Complete this topic
When you have read the examples, tried the question and reviewed flashcards, claim your topic completion XP.