REAL-WORLD NEGATIVES

Apply negative numbers to temperature, altitude, bank balances, and more.

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NEGATIVES IN EVERYDAY LIFE

Negative numbers appear everywhere: temperature below zero (−5°C), underground floors (basement −2), owing money (−£15), below sea level (−200m). Understanding negatives helps you read thermometers, bank statements, and elevation maps.

Bank account: £20. Spend £35. Balance?

120 − 35 = −15

2You owe £15 (negative balance)

= -15

Lift: Floor 3, go down 5 floors

13 − 5 = −2

2You are at basement level 2

= -2

LEADER TIP

Bank accounts, temperatures, elevators, depths - negatives are everywhere. Collect real examples as a class.

BEFORE THIS LESSON, TRY

What Are Negatives?

PRACTICE WITH THESE GAMES

Number Line Jump

Data Detective

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REAL-WORLD NEGATIVES

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REAL-WORLD NEGATIVES