Maths · Rung 22 of 30

Negative numbers

A negative number sits left of zero on the number line: −7 is smaller than −2 even though 7 is bigger. Adding moves right and subtracting moves left: −7 + 3 = −4. In a product, two equal signs give a positive and two different signs a negative.

Where this sits

This is where the ladder starts: nothing is needed before it.

Exercises from this rung

Generated by the app, from easiest to hardest

  1. Which is the smallest?

    • 11
    • −13
    • 1
    • 3

    Why From smallest to largest: −13, 1, 3, 11. The most negative is the smallest: −13.

    easier

  2. At six it was −11 °C. Since then the temperature has risen 5 degrees. What is it now?

    Answer -6

    Why −11 + 5 = −6 °C: go up 5 degrees from −11, through zero.

    in between

  3. At six it was −6 °C. Since then the temperature has risen 10 degrees. What is it now?

    Answer 4

    Why −6 + 10 = 4 °C: go up 10 degrees from −6, through zero.

    harder