Adding and subtracting negative numbers worksheet

Adding and subtracting negative numbers at a glance

Adding and subtracting negative numbers is an important skill and uses two of the main four operations. While whole numbers are natural numbers and include the positive integers that are not fractions, decimals or percentages, negative integers are the negative numbers that are not parts of a whole.

The best way to visualise adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers is to use a number line. When we are adding positive numbers, we move up the number line and when we are subtracting positive numbers we move down the number line. The opposite is true for negative values.

If we add a negative number, for example 3+(-2), we move down the number line whereas when we are subtracting numbers which are negative, for example 4-(-3), we move up the number line.

It is important for students to become fluent in applying the addition and subtraction facts for negative numbers.

Looking forward, students can then progress to additional Number worksheets, for example a Multiplying and Dividing Decimals worksheet or a Estimation worksheet.

For more teaching and learning support on Number our GCSE maths lessons provide step by step support for all GCSE maths concepts.