Negative Numbers on a Number Line
22 October 2026
Number lines help children see how negative numbers work in simple steps. This is a clear example you can use to show your child how to add using a number line with negatives.
Worked example
-2 + 8
Find -2 on the number line. It is two steps left of zero.
The plus sign means move to the right. Move 8 steps to the right from -2.
Count the steps: from -2 to 0 is 2 steps, then 6 more steps to the right.
You land on 6.
The correct answer is 6.
Click or tap on the number line to answer
After this example, your child will recognise how to move along a number line, even when starting with a negative number. They will be ready to practise more questions just like this.
