Integers

Integers are the whole numbers and their opposites: …, −3, −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, 3, … Negative numbers are everywhere once you start looking: a frosty morning at −4 °C, a car park two levels below the ground, a bank balance that has dipped below zero. In this topic you'll place integers on the number line, compare and order them, and learn how to add and subtract them, including the tricky case of subtracting a negative.

What you'll learn

• 3.01 Integers and the number line: positive and negative numbers, opposites, and reading and marking integers on a number line.
• 3.02 Compare integers: using < and > with negative numbers, and ordering integers from smallest to largest.
• Investigation: build a life-size number line on the ground, then stand on it, compare and walk the jumps.
• 3.03 Add and subtract integers: jumps on a number line, adding a negative, and why subtracting a negative is the same as adding.

Which level should I pick?

Every worksheet comes in three levels. Each one covers the same skills.

• Level 1 · Warm-up: smaller numbers and more help along the way, with number lines to count on. A good place to start.
• Level 2 · Core: the main worksheet for the lesson.
• Level 3 · Challenge: bigger numbers, longer calculations and harder problems, for when the Core level feels easy.

Not sure? Start with Level 2. If the first few questions feel tricky, drop to Level 1. If you finish quickly and get them right, try Level 3. Download the worksheet, print it, and write your answers in the boxes.

Practice tests

When you've finished the lessons, try the three practice tests. Each one is like the real topic test: 45 minutes, 40 marks, a section without a calculator and a section with one. Write your working under each question, then copy your final answers onto the answer sheet on the last page, just like you will in the real test.