Understanding Negative Numbers for 11+ Maths
21 October 2026
What are negative numbers
Negative numbers are numbers less than zero. You see them in real life as temperatures below freezing, money owed, or depths below sea level. In 11+ maths, children need to recognise, compare and calculate with negative numbers.
Where negatives sit on the number line
The number line has zero in the middle. Positive numbers go to the right, and negative numbers go to the left. This helps children see how negatives relate to other numbers.
Adding and subtracting negatives
Adding a number means moving right on the number line. Subtracting means moving left. This is true for both positive and negative numbers.
Worked example
-3 + 5
Start at -3 on the number line.
Move 5 steps to the right.
You land on 2.
The answer is 2.
Another example
4 - 7
Start at 4 on the number line.
Move 7 steps to the left.
You land on -3.
The answer is -3.
Why practice matters
Practising negative numbers helps children feel confident when questions cross zero or use real-life contexts. This skill appears in many 11+ maths problems, not just in direct calculations.
Key insight: Understanding negative numbers is essential for solving a wide range of 11+ maths questions, especially those involving number lines, temperature, and real-life scenarios.
