Negative numbers
Year 4 introduces via temperature; Year 5/6 calculates with them on a number line.
Year 4 reads negative numbers in real-world context (a winter temperature of −3°C). Year 5 calculates differences across zero (e.g. 5°C to −2°C is a 7-degree drop). Year 6 extends to general arithmetic.
Worked examples
−5 is less than −2. On the number line, −5 is further left.
From 4°C to −3°C is a fall of 7 degrees.
−3 + 5 = 2. Move 5 to the right from −3.
Frequently asked questions
Two negatives make a positive?
−(−3) = +3. Subtracting a negative is the same as adding. KS3 generalises.
Why don't we just say ‘minus 3’?
‘Minus’ refers to the operation; ‘negative’ refers to the value. SATs prefer ‘negative 3’ for −3.