VT · Negative Numbers

Non-calculator

In each set, one thing changes and everything else stays the same. Work them out in order and look for the pattern — the last line tells you what to notice.

①Subtract a negative: only the second number changeschanging: the number subtracted
Work out each calculation.
$3-(-2)$
=
$3-(-4)$
=
$3-(-6)$
=
Subtracting a negative is ADDING, so the answer gets bigger as the number grows.
②Multiplying: watch the signschanging: the signs
Work out each product.
$6\times(-2)$
=
$(-6)\times2$
=
$(-6)\times(-2)$
=
Same signs give a positive; different signs give a negative. The size is always $12$.
③Adding to a negative: only the second number changeschanging: the number added
Work out each calculation.
$-5+2$
=
$-5+5$
=
$-5+8$
=
Starting at $-5$, adding more moves you right (towards zero and beyond).

Answers · Negative Numbers

Variation practice
① Subtract a negative: only the second number changes
$3-(-2)$: 5$3-(-4)$: 7$3-(-6)$: 9
② Multiplying: watch the signs
$6\times(-2)$: -12$(-6)\times2$: -12$(-6)\times(-2)$: 12
③ Adding to a negative: only the second number changes
$-5+2$: -3$-5+5$: 0$-5+8$: 3
mathedup.co.uk · sheet 6UTQ