11+ Negative Numbers: Calm Practice for GL and CEM
19 October 2026
Understanding negative numbers
Negative numbers can feel unfamiliar at first, but they are a regular part of the 11+ maths papers, especially for GL and CEM. Children are often asked to work with temperatures below zero, bank balances in the red, or depths below sea level. The key is to help your child see that negative numbers simply mean values less than zero.
Key insight: Most 11+ negative number questions are set in real-life scenarios, not just as sums.
Ordering and comparing
A common GL and CEM task is to put numbers, including negatives. In order, or to compare them using <, >, or =. Encourage your child to picture a number line stretching below zero. For example, -5 is less than -2, and both are less than 0. Practising with number lines and simple comparisons helps build confidence.
Adding and subtracting across zero
Children may need to calculate differences that cross zero, such as finding the change in temperature from -3°C to 4°C. Remind them that moving from a negative to a positive involves counting up through zero. Visualising the jump on a thermometer or number line can make these questions less daunting.
Real-life practice
Negative numbers often appear in 11+ questions about temperature, depth, and money. Try discussing everyday examples: What happens if the temperature drops below zero? How far below sea level is a submarine? Relating negative numbers to real situations can help your child understand and remember the concept.
