Negative Numbers

Objectives

To learn that numbers on a number line do not stop at zero but continue away from zero to the left as negative numbers.

To recognise the symbol ‘-‘ in front of numbers when they are negative.

Resources

Abacus 4 Textbooks 2 & 3 | Squared paper | Introducing Negative Numbers (MyMaths) | Caterpillar Ordering - (-10 to 10) (TopMarks) | Interactive Thermometer (MathsIsFun)

Today's Lesson

Main Activity

As the mental warm-up, turn to page 87 in Abacus 4 Textbook 2. Ask your student to complete the page orally.

Run through a few games on Caterpillar Ordering - (-10 to 10) (TopMarks) to recap ordering negative numbers.

Turn to page 11 in Abacus 4 textbook 3.

Recap using 'Negative Numbers' or Introducing Negative Numbers (MyMaths) if needed.

Using the visual aid of the diagram of the thermometer, ask your student to write the numbers in the correct order (the thermometer will need to be labelled with numbers from -20° to 15°). Point out that numbers above zero are positive numbers, but do not need a ‘+’ symbol to be written in front of them.

Use the diagram on page 10 for reference if necessary.

Ask your student to read the questions aloud and to work out the answers. They should then write the answers using a full mathematical sentence on squared paper.

For example:

The difference between -4ºC and 14ºC = 18˚C.

Extra Activities

You might like to try the homework activity on the My Portal section of MyMaths to practise this skill further.

MyMaths Homework - Introducing negative numbers

Citations

[1] app.mymaths.co.uk [2] www.topmarks.co.uk [3] www.mathsisfun.com [4] app.mymaths.co.uk