Year 5 - Maths
Read and write negative numbers
Negative numbers
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Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will interpret numbers greater than and less than zero. They will read and write negative numbers, explain how the value of a number relates to its position from zero, positioning on a number line.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to read and write negative numbers.
Key Notes
- The negative or minus sign in front of a number shows that it is a negative value.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Numeral: A symbol or name that stands for a number
- Negative number: A number less than zero.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils do not write negative numbers beginning with the negative symbol e.g. writing 3- and not -3.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
The negative or minus sign in front of a number shows that it is a negative value. The negative or minus sign in front of a number shows that it is a negative value.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Numeral'
A symbol or name that stands for a number. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils do not write negative numbers beginning with the negative symbol e.g. writing 3- and not -3. Correction: Take time to model the writing of a negative number. "I know it is negative so I begin with the negative symbol.".
More Lessons In This Unit
- Explain how negative numbers are used on a coordinate grid Study Guide
- Explain how the value of a number relates to its position from zero Study Guide
- Identify and place negative numbers on a number line Study Guide
- Interpret numbers greater than and less than zero in different contexts Study Guide
- Interpret sets of negative and positive numbers in a range of contexts Study Guide
- Represent a change story using addition and subtraction symbols Study Guide
- Solve problems involving positive and negative numbers in a range of contexts Study Guide
- Use knowledge of positive and negative numbers to calculate intervals Study Guide
- Use knowledge of positive and negative numbers to interpret graphs Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 5 Maths guide library.