MEASURES AND TIME

Temperature

Learn the reliable method for temperature, then apply it to 11+ exam-style questions.

1 · WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The idea

Temperature differences may cross zero, so direction matters.

Picture itRead above and below zero
2 · THE METHOD

Follow these steps

  1. Place both temperatures on a number line.
  2. Count the distance between them or apply each rise and fall in order.
  3. Retain the degree symbol and Celsius unit.
3 · WORKED EXAMPLES

See the method in action

Example 1

During which three-hour interval did the temperature rise by the greatest amount?

  1. The consecutive changes are 13°C, -4°C, 5°C, -2°C, 3°C.
  2. The greatest rise is 13°C, from 06:00 to 09:00.
Answer: 06:00 to 09:00
Example 2

After rising by 11°C, a temperature is 4°C. What was the starting temperature?

  1. Subtract the rise from the final reading: 4 − 11 = -7°C.
  2. Adding 11°C to this starting temperature gives 4°C again.
Answer: -7°C
4 · ELEVENSPRINT TIP

A useful shortcut

Retain the degree symbol and Celsius unit.

5 · COMMON MISTAKES

Watch out for these

6 · TRY IT YOURSELF

Three fresh questions

Ready to check the method? You will get three fresh, validated questions.