Introduction to Negative Numbers
Learning about numbers less than zero and their real-life uses.
Core concept
On a number line, negative numbers extend to the left of zero, with values becoming 'smaller' (more negative) the further left they go — so -10 is actually less than -2, even though 10 is greater than 2 as positive numbers, an important and sometimes confusing concept for students first learning about negatives. Real-world contexts, like a thermometer showing sub-zero temperatures or an elevator going below ground level, help make sense of this 'reversed' comparison for negative values.
Exam highlight
Key diagram

- Show a number line extending to both positive and negative numbers.
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Quick notes
• Negative numbers are less than zero, written with a minus (-) sign.
• Real-world uses: temperatures below freezing, depths below sea level, debt.
• On a number line, negative numbers extend left of zero; further left means a smaller value.
• -10 is less than -2, even though 10 is greater than 2 as positive numbers.