Exploring the World of Negative Numbers

Mathematics Grades 7th Grade 9:36 Video
Print Lesson Plan Watch Video

Lesson Description

An introduction to negative numbers, number lines, and basic operations with negative numbers. Understand negative numbers, compare them, and apply them to real-world scenarios.

Video Resource

Negative numbers introduction | Negative numbers and absolute value | Pre-Algebra | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 9:36
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Negative numbers are numbers less than zero.
  • The number line extends in both positive and negative directions from zero.
  • Subtracting a number moves you to the left on the number line; adding moves you to the right.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define negative numbers and provide real-world examples.
  • Students will be able to represent negative numbers on a number line.
  • Students will be able to add and subtract simple integers using a number line as a visual aid.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they've heard of negative numbers and where (e.g., temperature, debt). Briefly explain that today's lesson will explore what negative numbers are and how we use them. Mention that the Khan Academy video will give a good introduction.
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video "Negative numbers introduction | Negative numbers and absolute value | Pre-Algebra | Khan Academy." Instruct students to take notes on key definitions and examples.
  • Guided Practice (15 mins)
    Work through example problems similar to those in the video on the board. Focus on using a number line to visualize addition and subtraction of negative numbers. For example: * Start at 2, subtract 5. * Start at -3, add 4. * Start at -1, subtract 2. Encourage student participation and ask them to explain their reasoning.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Distribute a worksheet with practice problems involving addition and subtraction of negative numbers. Students work individually while the teacher circulates to provide assistance.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the main concepts of the lesson. Answer any remaining questions. Preview the next lesson, which will delve deeper into subtracting negative numbers.

Interactive Exercises

  • Number Line Race
    Divide the class into two teams. Draw a large number line on the board. Give each team a problem involving adding or subtracting negative numbers (e.g., -2 + 5). A member from each team races to the number line to show the solution by moving along the number line. The first team to correctly show the answer wins a point.

Discussion Questions

  • Can you think of any other real-world examples of negative numbers besides temperature and money?
  • How is negative 10 different from positive 10?
  • How does the number line help you understand adding and subtracting negative numbers?

Skills Developed

  • Number sense
  • Visual representation
  • Problem-solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following is a negative number?

Correct Answer: -3

Question 2:

What is a number less than 0 called?

Correct Answer: Negative number

Question 3:

On a number line, which direction do you move when subtracting?

Correct Answer: Left

Question 4:

Which is smaller: -5 or -2?

Correct Answer: -5

Question 5:

What is 3 - 7?

Correct Answer: -4

Question 6:

What is -2 + 5?

Correct Answer: 3

Question 7:

If the temperature is 5 degrees Celsius and it drops 8 degrees, what is the new temperature?

Correct Answer: -3 degrees

Question 8:

Which is larger: -1 or -100?

Correct Answer: -1

Question 9:

What is -4 - 2?

Correct Answer: -6

Question 10:

You have $5 but you owe $8. What is your financial situation represented as a number?

Correct Answer: -$3

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A ________ number is any number less than zero.

Correct Answer: negative

Question 2:

On a number line, numbers to the left of zero are ________.

Correct Answer: negative

Question 3:

Subtracting a positive number moves you to the ________ on the number line.

Correct Answer: left

Question 4:

-3 is ________ than -1.

Correct Answer: less

Question 5:

If you have $10 and spend $15, you have ________ $5.

Correct Answer: negative

Question 6:

The further you move to the left on the number line, the ________ the negative number becomes.

Correct Answer: smaller

Question 7:

Adding a positive number to a negative number moves you to the ________ on the number line.

Correct Answer: right

Question 8:

If the temperature is -2 degrees and it goes down 3 degrees, it is now ________ degrees.

Correct Answer: -5

Question 9:

Spending money is an example of moving in a ________ direction on a number line.

Correct Answer: negative

Question 10:

________ 5 means five less than zero

Correct Answer: Negative

Educational Standards

7.N.1:Read, write, represent, and compare rational numbers, expressed as integers, fractions, and decimals. Explain and apply the concept of absolute value. 7.N.2:Calculate with rational numbers, with and without positive integer exponents, to model and solve mathematical problems.

Teaching Materials

Download ready-to-use materials for this lesson:

Student Worksheet Classroom Slides Assessment Quiz
Add to Google Classroom

User Actions

Sign in to save this lesson plan to your favorites.

Sign In

Share This Lesson

Related Lesson Plans