Negative Numbers

Negative numbers are numbers that are less than zero. They are represented on the left hand side of the zero on a number line.

Negative numbers have a '-' sign in front of them (note a number with "no sign" means it's positive). Numbers on a number line get bigger when you go to the right and smaller if you go to the left. Just as 10 is bigger than 8, -1 is bigger than -3.

Working with negative numbers may seem unfamiliar, but you probably do it without thinking about it.

Example 1

If you go to the store and want to buy a video game for $40, but you don't have any money; you might borrow some money from your parents to buy it. If you owe your parents $40, then you have negative 40 dollars.

Example 2

In the winter, sometimes the temperature drops below freezing. That means it goes lower than 0 degrees celcius. For example, it might be negative 5 degrees celcius outside.

Video Tutorials

Real life examples of negative numbers.

Negative Numbers Introduction

Online Activities

Order the hats from smallest to largest.

Number balls is a fun maths game that requires you to order integers.

Worksheets

Common Core - Which number is less?

Common Core - Ordering Integers

Dad's Worksheets - Select any of the worksheets with negative numbers - anything after Ordering with Negative Numbers. Click on the Version number next to the type of problem you want to solve.

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