Understanding Subtracting with Negative Numbers

Hello, Year 6! Today, we are going to learn about subtracting with negative numbers. This can seem a little tricky at first, but with some practice and a few tips, you will become experts in no time!

What Are Negative Numbers?

Negative numbers are numbers less than zero. They are often used to represent things like temperatures below zero or money owed.

For example:

  • -1°C is colder than 0°C.
  • If you owe £5, you can think of this as having -£5.

Subtracting Negative Numbers

When we subtract negative numbers, we are actually adding. This is the key idea!

Key Rule:

  • When you subtract a negative number, it’s like adding that number.

Mathematically, this can be written as:

$$

a – (-b) = a + b

$$

Example:

If you have 5 and you subtract -3, it looks like this:

$$

5 – (-3) = 5 + 3 = 8

$$

Visualising Negative Numbers

Imagine a number line:

  • The centre is 0.
  • To the right are positive numbers (1, 2, 3,…).
  • To the left are negative numbers (-1, -2, -3,…).

When you subtract a negative number, you move to the right on the number line, which increases the value.

Tips and Tricks

  1. Remember: Subtracting a negative is like adding!
  2. Use a number line to help you visualise the movement when subtracting.
  3. Practice with simple examples before moving on to more complex problems.

Practice Questions

Easy Level Questions (1-20)

  1. 5 – (-2) = ?
  2. 3 – (-1) = ?
  3. 10 – (-4) = ?
  4. 6 – (-3) = ?
  5. 8 – (-5) = ?
  6. 0 – (-2) = ?
  7. 4 – (-4) = ?
  8. 7 – (-1) = ?
  9. 2 – (-2) = ?
  10. 9 – (-3) = ?
  11. -2 – (-3) = ?
  12. -5 – (-2) = ?
  13. -1 – (-4) = ?
  14. -3 – (-3) = ?
  15. -6 – (-2) = ?
  16. 1 – (-1) = ?
  17. -4 – (-5) = ?
  18. 3 – (-2) = ?
  19. 5 – (-5) = ?
  20. -1 – (-2) = ?

Medium Level Questions (21-40)

  1. 10 – (-7) = ?
  2. -4 – (-6) = ?
  3. 8 – (-8) = ?
  4. 12 – (-5) = ?
  5. -3 – (-2) = ?
  6. 15 – (-10) = ?
  7. -8 – (-3) = ?
  8. 2 – (-4) = ?
  9. 0 – (-7) = ?
  10. 7 – (-6) = ?
  11. -2 – (-8) = ?
  12. 5 – (-10) = ?
  13. -10 – (-5) = ?
  14. 3 – (-3) = ?
  15. -7 – (-4) = ?
  16. 6 – (-9) = ?
  17. 1 – (-2) = ?
  18. -5 – (-6) = ?
  19. 14 – (-12) = ?
  20. -3 – (-7) = ?

Hard Level Questions (41-60)

  1. 20 – (-15) = ?
  2. -12 – (-8) = ?
  3. 30 – (-20) = ?
  4. -15 – (-10) = ?
  5. 25 – (-30) = ?
  6. -20 – (-25) = ?
  7. 50 – (-45) = ?
  8. -22 – (-5) = ?
  9. 18 – (-27) = ?
  10. -30 – (-15) = ?
  11. 11 – (-22) = ?
  12. -5 – (-20) = ?
  13. 40 – (-35) = ?
  14. -17 – (-12) = ?
  15. 33 – (-44) = ?
  16. -24 – (-30) = ?
  17. 27 – (-32) = ?
  18. -14 – (-19) = ?
  19. 22 – (-28) = ?
  20. -11 – (-6) = ?

Answers

Easy Level Answers (1-20)

  1. 7
  2. 4
  3. 14
  4. 9
  5. 13
  6. 2
  7. 8
  8. 8
  9. 4
  10. 12
  11. 1
  12. -3
  13. 3
  14. 0
  15. -4
  16. 2
  17. 1
  18. 5
  19. 10
  20. 1

Medium Level Answers (21-40)

  1. 17
  2. 2
  3. 16
  4. 17
  5. -1
  6. 25
  7. -5
  8. 6
  9. 7
  10. 13
  11. 6
  12. 15
  13. -5
  14. 6
  15. -3
  16. 15
  17. 3
  18. 1
  19. 26
  20. 4

Hard Level Answers (41-60)

  1. 35
  2. -4
  3. 50
  4. -5
  5. 55
  6. 5
  7. 95
  8. -17
  9. 45
  10. -15
  11. 33
  12. 15
  13. 75
  14. -5
  15. 77
  16. 6
  17. 59
  18. 5
  19. 50
  20. -5

Now, practice these questions, and soon you’ll be a pro at subtracting with negative numbers! Keep up the great work, Year 6!