Subtraction of positive and negative integers
I can use the mathematical structures that underpin subtraction to add and subtract positive and negative integers.
Subtraction of positive and negative integers
I can use the mathematical structures that underpin subtraction to add and subtract positive and negative integers.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Any subtraction can be re-written as an equivalent addition.
- Subtracting a postive number is the same as adding a negative number.
- Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number.
Keywords
Additive inverse - The additive inverse of a number is a number that, when added to the original number, gives the sum of 0.
Absolute value - The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero. E.g. 5 and (−5) are both 5 away from zero and so both have an absolute value of 5.
Common misconception
Minus and a minus make a plus, 2 negatives make a positive, double negative makes a positive, etc.
The use of additive inverses should avoid this common misconception. Be aware that pupils maybe already be familiar with this statement.
To help you plan your year 7 maths lesson on: Subtraction of positive and negative integers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 maths lesson on: Subtraction of positive and negative integers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 maths lessons from the Arithmetic procedures with integers and decimals unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
6 + (-4)
4 + (-6)
6 + 4
(-4) + (-6)
2
(-2)
10
(-10)
