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Broad Topics > Numbers and the Number System > Positive-negative numbers

Making Sense of Positives and Negatives

Stage: 3

This article suggests some ways of making sense of calculations involving positive and negative numbers.

Weights

Stage: 3 Challenge Level:

Different combinations of the weights available allow you to make different totals. Which totals can you make?

Adding and Subtracting Positive and Negative Numbers

Stage: 2, 3 and 4

How can we help students make sense of addition and subtraction of negative numbers?

Sea Level

Stage: 2 Challenge Level:

The picture shows a lighthouse and many underwater creatures. If you know the markings on the lighthouse are 1m apart, can you work out the distances between some of the different creatures?

Tug Harder!

Stage: 2 Challenge Level:

In this game, you can add, subtract, multiply or divide the numbers on the dice. Which will you do so that you get to the end of the number line first?

Minus One Two Three

Stage: 4 Challenge Level:

Substitute -1, -2 or -3, into an algebraic expression and you'll get three results. Is it possible to tell in advance which of those three will be the largest ?

Negatively Triangular

Stage: 4 Challenge Level:

How many intersections do you expect from four straight lines ? Which three lines enclose a triangle with negative co-ordinates for every point ?

Consecutive Negative Numbers

Stage: 3 Challenge Level:

Do you notice anything about the solutions when you add and/or subtract consecutive negative numbers?

First Connect Three

Stage: 2 and 3 Challenge Level:

The idea of this game is to add or subtract the two numbers on the dice and cover the result on the grid, trying to get a line of three. Are there some numbers that are good to aim for?

Playing Connect Three

Stage: 3 Challenge Level:

In this game the winner is the first to complete a row of three. Are some squares easier to land on than others?

Swimming Pool

Stage: 1 and 2 Challenge Level:

In this problem, we're investigating the number of steps we would climb up or down to get out of or into the swimming pool. How could you number the steps below the water?

Consecutive Numbers

Stage: 2 Challenge Level:

An investigation involving adding and subtracting sets of consecutive numbers. Lots to find out, lots to explore.

Strange Bank Account (part 2)

Stage: 3 Challenge Level:

Investigate different ways of making £5 at Charlie's bank.

Up, Down, Flying Around

Stage: 3 Challenge Level:

Play this game to learn about adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers

Strange Bank Account

Stage: 3 Challenge Level:

Imagine a very strange bank account where you are only allowed to do two things...

Vector Racer

Stage: 2, 3 and 4 Challenge Level:

The classic vector racing game brought to a screen near you.

Missing Multipliers

Stage: 3 Challenge Level:

What is the smallest number of answers you need to reveal in order to work out the missing headers?

Positive about Negative Numbers

Stage: 1 and 2

In this article for teachers, Liz Woodham describes resources on NRICH that can help primary-aged children get to grips with negative numbers.

The History of Negative Numbers

Stage: 3, 4 and 5

This article -useful for teachers and learners - gives a short account of the history of negative numbers.

Connect Three

Stage: 3 and 4 Challenge Level:

Can you be the first to complete a row of three?

Negative Numbers

Stage: 3

A brief history of negative numbers throughout the ages

Pair Sums

Stage: 3 Challenge Level:

Five numbers added together in pairs produce: 0, 2, 4, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15 What are the five numbers?