Year 5 - Maths
Use knowledge of positive and negative numbers to calculate intervals
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 use knowledge of positive and negative numbers to calculate intervals.
Key Notes
- Differences between values are always positive
- Calculating differences across zero is the same as bridging through zero
Vocabulary To Learn
- Bridging: A strategy which uses addition or subtraction to cross a number boundary.
- Partitioning: Splitting a number or object into smaller parts.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils sometimes answer a question like 'What is the difference between −5℃ and 3℃?' with '−8℃'.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Differences between values are always positive. Calculating differences across zero is the same as bridging through zero.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Bridging'
A strategy which uses addition or subtraction to cross a number boundary. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils sometimes answer a question like 'What is the difference between −5℃ and 3℃?' with '−8℃'. Correction: Remind pupils that these differences are always positive by asking them to count forwards from the lower value to the higher value.
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
- Read and write negative numbers 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 interpret graphs Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 5 Maths guide library.