11 plus negative numbers worksheets a practical guide for parents
21 October 2026
Why practise negative numbers for 11 plus
Negative numbers are a key part of the 11+ maths curriculum. Children need to feel confident using them in calculations and word problems.
What are negative numbers
Negative numbers are numbers less than zero. We use them for temperatures below freezing, money owed or levels below sea level. On a number line, they sit to the left of zero.
How negative numbers work in 11 plus maths
Children may be asked to add, subtract, multiply or divide with negative numbers. They might see negative numbers in tables, graphs or word problems about temperature or money.
Worked example
Step 1: Start with -3
Step 2: Add 5: -3 + 5 = 2
Step 3: Subtract 4: 2 - 4 = -2
The answer is -2.
Why worksheets help
Regular practice with negative numbers builds confidence and helps children spot patterns. Worksheets give children a safe space to make mistakes and learn from them.
Practical tip for parents
Set aside a few minutes each week to try a worksheet together. Talk through each step and encourage your child to use a number line if they get stuck.
Key insight: Mixing positive and negative numbers can be confusing at first. Practising with clear, step-by-step worksheets helps children develop reliable methods for these sums.
