Negative Numbers (Year 6)

In KS2 Maths children will come to understand negative or minus numbers. In Year Six children should be confident when counting up and down in negative numbers and filling in the gaps in a number sequence. They should also be able to perform addition and subtraction problems with negative numbers and will now be given problems involving 2 and 3 figure negative numbers.

Negative or minus numbers are whole numbers below zero. You may wonder where on earth a negative number would be used. An example of how negative numbers are used would be measuring temperatures. If its colder than the freezing point of water (0^oC) we say it is a minus temperature. Addition and subtraction can be tricky with negative numbers. One method that might help is to rearrange the problem. For example:

14 - 8 = 6 so 6 - 14 = -8 It all becomes easier with practise!

Take this quiz to test yours skills at addition and subtraction with negative numbers.