Female, dark hair, orange jumper: Negative numbers, you know, we're normally dealing with temperatures, with bank statements and even lifts.
Male, dark hair, striped tunic: An example of negative numbers, occasionally my bank balance unfortunately.
So if I've got more going out than I've got coming in then obviously you're left with a debt.
Male kitchen worker, blond hair, white tunic: Here we've got the freezer which is -19 which is good because it has to operate below -18.
Female, dark hair, striped shirt: We've got an electricity metre which we always try and top up, you know, when it comes down to empty but if you let it go over it'll go into the emergency so -£7 and then that will be taken off the next amount of money that you put onto your key.
So of course if you're going to top it up with £20 then you're only going to get £13 the next time.
A negative number is a number smaller than zero. They are mostly used to show temperatures that are below freezing.
Quick tips for tutors
Negative numbers includes:
- Showing practical situations in which negative numbers are used
- Measuring temperatures above and below zero
- Comparing positive and negative numbers
Downloadable Factsheets
Entry 1 & 2 - Examples of negative numbers
An introduction to using negative numbers.
Entry 3 - What are negative numbers
What are negative numbers
Level 1 - Negative numbers glossary
Negative numbers glossary
Level 1 - Negative numbers practical examples
Negative numbers practical examples
Level 1 - Storing frozen food
Storing frozen food
Level 1 - Why do negative numbers get bigger
Why do negative numbers get bigger
Level 1 - Temperature increase and decrease
Temperature increase and decrease
Level 1 - Reading a thermometer
Reading a thermometer
Level 1 - Freezing point of water
Freezing point of water
Downloadable Worksheets
Entry 1 & 2 - Missing numbers on a thermometer
An activity to write the missing numbers in the correct places on the thermometer.
Entry 3 - Negative answers: sorting activity
A sorting activity to estimate if a temperature change gives a positive or negative answer.
Entry 3 - Negative situations: sorting activity
A sorting activity to identify situations that can have a negative number answer.
Level 1 - Reading the weather
Exercise in comparing negative and positive numbers, using the weather as an example.
Level 1 - Understanding frozen-food packets
Exercise in using negative numbers, illustrated by frozen-food packets.
