Identify and place negative numbers on a number line
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and place negative numbers on a number line.
Key learning points
- Counting backwards can continue past zero and include negative numbers.
- Positioning negative numbers on marked and partially marked number lines.
- Understanding that fractions and decimals can be positive or negative.
Keywords
Interval - An interval is what is between two values. On a scale, intervals are shown using a small mark or line to show the space between.
Common misconception
Fractions and decimals less than one are positioned to the left of zero or are negative in value.
Using a number line 0 to 1, label different fractions and decimals and show pupils that, though small in size, they are greater than zero.
Teacher tip
Pupils who grasp the idea that fractions and decimals exist between both positive and negative numbers on a number line can be encouraged to explore their own negative fraction and decimal values and place them accordingly onto the number line.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following means 'negative'? Tick all that apply.
Q2.Which of these numbers would appear to the left of zero on a horizontal number line?
Q3.Describe the distances of −8 and 7 on a number line. Tick all options that apply.
Q4.Which negative number is the same distance from zero as 8?
Q5.Order the following values as they would appear on a horizontal number line, from right to left.
Q6.Look at the section of number line. The number line is going up in steps of .
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Tick all the statements that are true of this number line.
Q2.Look at the section of the number line. What number is the arrow pointing to?
Q3.Look at the section of the number line. The arrow is pointing to .
Q4.Look at the section of the number line. What number is the arrow pointing to?
Q5.Tick all the values that could label the intervals on this number line.
Q6.What number is exactly halfway between −6 and −5?
To help you plan your 5 maths lesson on: Identify and place negative numbers on a number line, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 maths lesson on: Identify and place negative numbers on a number line, 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 2 maths lessons from the Negative numbers unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.