Negative numbers in context · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Negative numbers in real life

Mathematics · Number Representation & Place Value · ages 9-10
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. Mia's savings app showed a balance of -$4 (she owed $4). She did chores and earned $10, which she put straight into her account. What is her new balance, in dollars?

    Answer: ______________

  2. Which number is further left on the number line: -3 or -1?

    -5-4-3-2-1012
    • -3
    • -1
    • They are the same

  3. A temperature of -10 degrees C is colder than -2 degrees C.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. A bank balance of -20 pounds means...

    • You have 20 pounds saved
    • You owe 20 pounds
    • You have exactly 0 pounds

  5. Four kids checked their piggy bank balances: -$3, $0, -$7, and $2. Whose balance is the smallest, meaning furthest below zero?

    • -$3
    • $0
    • -$7
    • $2

  6. On Monday, Sam's bank balance was -$5, since he owed the bank money. On Tuesday, the bank charged him a $2 fee. On Wednesday, he deposited $10. What is his balance now, in dollars?

    Answer: ______________

  7. Count backwards from 3 in ones: 3, 2, 1, 0, -1, -2. What is the 5th number you say?

    3210-1-2

    Answer: ______________

  8. The temperature is -4 degrees C. It rises by 7 degrees. What is the new temperature?

    -6-5-4-3-2-10123456+7

    Answer: ______________

  9. Ana's balance was -$12. The bank charged a $4 fee, then Ana deposited $9, then she withdrew $5. What is her final balance, in dollars?

    Answer: ______________

  10. The temperature is -5 degrees C. It rises by 8 degrees. What is the new temperature?

    -6-5-4-3-2-10123456?

    Answer: ______________

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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Negative numbers in real life W1-mt_1KkvzwYxbR-s1

  1. 6 · Starting below zero just means you add money to climb back up past zero.
  2. -3 · -3 is further below zero than -1, so it sits further to the left.
  3. True · -10 is further below zero than -2, so it is colder.
  4. You owe 20 pounds · The minus sign shows the balance is below zero, so the money is owed.
  5. -$7 · On a number line, the number farthest to the left is the smallest, even if it looks like a big number without the negative sign.
  6. 3 · Track the balance one change at a time, moving left for fees and right for deposits.
  7. -1 · Counting 3, 2, 1, 0, -1, -2, the fifth number said is -1.
  8. 3 · Count up 7 from -4: -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3.
  9. -12 · Work through each change in order, since the balance keeps shifting up and down around zero.
  10. 3 · Count up 8 from -5: -5, -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3.
Worksheet · LightMySky