Negative Numbers

In a Nutshell

Negative numbers live to the left of zero on the number line. Further left means smaller, even though the digit looks bigger.

Numbers below zero are called negative numbers. We write them with a minus sign: $-3$ , $-10$ , $-250$ .

On a number line, negative numbers sit to the left of zero. The further left you go, the smaller the number. So $-7 < -2$ because $-7$ is further left.

Use the number line below to compare any two integers, including negative ones.

See it: walk the number line

Try:

Choose an expression and press Walk. Watch the figure step along the number line — right for positive, left for negative. The key insight: subtracting a negative means turning around and walking the other way.

Watch it work

Question: Calculate $3 + (-5)$ .

Have a go

Q1. Put these in order from smallest to largest: $4, -1, -6, 0, 3$ .

Q2. Calculate $-3 + 7$ .

Q3. Calculate $-2 - 5$ .

Q4. The temperature at midnight is $-4$ °C. By noon it has risen by $9$ °C. What is the temperature at noon?