NUMBER

Negative Numbers

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

1 · WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The idea

Negative numbers lie below zero and are ordered by their position on a number line.

Picture itMove along the number line
2 · THE METHOD

Follow these steps

  1. Mark zero and both values on a number line.
  2. Move in the stated direction or count the distance between the values.
  3. Check whether the final answer should be above or below zero.
3 · WORKED EXAMPLES

See the method in action

Example 1

A lift starts on floor -10 and rises 12 floors. Which floor does it reach?

  1. Moving up means adding: -10 + 12 = 2.
Answer: 2
Example 2

At dawn it is -14°C. By noon it is 5°C. By how many degrees has the temperature risen?

  1. Subtract the starting temperature from the final temperature: 5 − (-14) = 19°C.
  2. This crosses zero and counts the complete rise.
Answer: 19°C
4 · ELEVENSPRINT TIP

A useful shortcut

Check whether the final answer should be above or below zero.

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.