How it works
Zero is where we start. Below zero is negative. Above zero is positive.
4 degrees above zero is 4. 10 degrees below zero is −10.
Owing 80 dollars is −80.
Worked examples
Above zero
- The temperature is 4 degrees above zero.
- That is a positive number.
- It is 4.
Below zero
- The temperature is 3 degrees below zero.
- That is a negative number.
- It is −3.
Money
- Mia owes 80 dollars.
- Owing is the opposite of having.
- It is −80 dollars.
A taste of the worksheet
These are the first problems of set A. The printable sheet has many more, with an answer key.
- It is 4 degrees below zero. What number tells that? ___
- Count the steps from zero. What number is the dot at? ___
- Read the number line. What number is the dot at? ___
- A diver is 15 meters below sea level. Which number tells that?
- A kite is 15 meters above sea level. What does zero mean here?
Words to know
- negative number
- A number below zero.