Negative Numbers Number-Line Practice — Math Worksheet for 12-Year-Olds

Instructions

Welcome to your negative numbers workout! This worksheet will help you practice using the number line to understand and work with negative numbers. Read each section carefully and write your answers in the spaces provided.

Part 1: Find Your Place

Plot the following numbers on the correct number line. Draw a clear dot (•) and write the number above it.

1. Plot these numbers: -4, 3, -1, 5

   <---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|--->

      -5                0                5



2. Plot these numbers: -8, -2, -10, -5

   <---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|--->

      -12        -8         -4          0          4

Part 2: Greater Than or Less Than?

Place the correct symbol ( <, >, or = ) in the circle to compare the numbers. Remember, the number further to the right on the number line is always greater!

• -5     -2
• -10     1
• 0     -7
• -8     -12
• -4     4
• -30     -20

Part 3: Number Line Journeys

Solve the following problems. Imagine you are moving along a number line to find the answer.

1. Start at 2 and subtract 5. Where do you land? _____________
2. Start at -3 and add 8. Where do you land? _____________
3. Start at -1 and subtract 6. Where do you land? _____________
4. Start at -10 and add 4. Where do you land? ____________
5. What is 5 more than -2? _____________
6. What is 9 less than 3? _____________

Part 4: Real-World Negatives

Read the word problems and write down the final answer.

1. The temperature in the morning was -4°C. By lunchtime, it had warmed up by 10 degrees. What was the temperature at lunchtime?

   Answer: ______________

2. A submarine was cruising at 20 metres below sea level (-20m). It then dove down another 30 metres. What is the submarine's new depth relative to sea level?

   Answer: ______________

3. You have £15 in your bank account. You buy a game that costs £25. What is your new bank balance?

   Answer: ______________

Answer Key

Part 1: Find Your Place

1. -4, 3, -1, 5

      -4  -1         3     5

   <---•---•---|---•---|---•--->

      -5                0                5



2. -8, -2, -10, -5

     -10  -8     -5             -2

   <---|-•-|-•-|---•---|---|-•-|---|--->

      -12        -8         -4          0          4

Part 2: Greater Than or Less Than?

• -5 < -2
• -10 < 1
• 0 > -7
• -8 > -12
• -4 < 4
• -30 < -20

Part 3: Number Line Journeys

1. -3
2. 5
3. -7
4. -6
5. 3
6. -6

Part 4: Real-World Negatives

1. 6°C
2. -50 metres (or 50 metres below sea level)
3. -£10