Common Mistakes to Avoid

Part of Negative Numbers · Section 12 of 14

Exam TipsUnit: NumberGCSE

This exam tips covers Common Mistakes to Avoid within Negative Numbers for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Negative Numbers in Number for GCSE Mathematics with 12 exam-style questions and 22 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 12 of 14 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Wrong: −3 + −5 = 2 ✅ Right: −3 + (−5) = −8

Adding negatives makes the result MORE negative

❌ Wrong: 5 − (−3) = 2 ✅ Right: 5 − (−3) = 8

Minus minus = plus: subtracting a negative = adding

❌ Wrong: (−3)² = −9 ✅ Right: (−3)² = 9

Negative × negative = positive when squaring

❌ Wrong: −8 is bigger than −3 ✅ Right: −8 is smaller than −3

On a number line, left = smaller, even with negatives

Practice questions for Negative Numbers

Which of these statements is true?

A. -8 > -3
B. -3 > -8
C. -3 < -8
D. -8 = -3

1 markfoundation

Aisha's bank account shows a balance of -45 pounds. She deposits 70 pounds. Explain what her new balance is and what the negative sign meant originally.

2 marksstandard

Quick recall flashcards

Double Negative Rule

Subtracting a negative = Adding. Two minuses make a plus: 5 − (−3) = 5 + 3 = 8

Using a number line

Draw a horizontal line with 0 in the middle. Negative numbers go LEFT, positive RIGHT. Moving right = adding, moving left = subtracting.

Higher Level: Powers with Negatives

Exam Tips

12 questions on Negative Numbers — practise free

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