Loading please wait

The smart way to improve grades

Comprehensive & curriculum aligned

Try an activity or get started for free

Count Backwards Through Zero

In this worksheet, students will count backwards through zero to include negative numbers.

'Count Backwards Through Zero ' worksheet

Key stage:  KS 2

Year:  Year 4 Maths worksheets

Curriculum topic:   Number: Number and Place Value

Curriculum subtopic:   Count Backwards (including Negative Numbers)

Popular topics:   Counting worksheets

Difficulty level:  

Worksheet Overview

Starting at 0 we can count up in units like this:

 

0    1    2    3    4    5    6    7 ...

 

But what happens before zero?

 

We have the negative numbers, like this:

  -7    -6    -5    -4    -3    -2    -1    0

 

If we count up, we move from the left to the right and the numbers increase. 

So, -7 to -6 is moving from the left to the right and the numbers have increased because -6 is bigger than -7.

 

If we count back, we move from the right to the left and the numbers decrease.

So, -3 to -4 is moving from the right to the left and the numbers have decreased because -4 is smaller than -3.

 

Here is part of a number line going from 7 down to -7:

 

 

-7   - 6    -5    -4    -3    -2    -1    0      1    2    3    4    5    6    7 

 

 

Example

Count back to work out the missing number.

 

 -4    -3        -1    0    1    2    3

 

What is the missing number?

 

girl with question marks

 

 

Answer

Counting back from 0 means the numbers decrease.   

-3    -2    -1    0 

 

So the missing number is -2.

 

Does that make sense?

 

happy boy

What is EdPlace?

We're your National Curriculum aligned online education content provider helping each child succeed in English, maths and science from year 1 to GCSE. With an EdPlace account you’ll be able to track and measure progress, helping each child achieve their best. We build confidence and attainment by personalising each child’s learning at a level that suits them.

Get started
laptop

Popular Maths topics

Try an activity or get started for free

  • National Tutoring Awards 2023 Shortlisted / Parents
    National Tutoring Awards 2023 Shortlisted
  • Private-Tutoring-WINNER-EducationInvestor-Awards / Parents
    Winner - Private Tutoring
  • Bett Awards Finalist / Parents
    Finalist
  • Winner - Best for Home Learning / Parents
    Winner - Best for Home Learning / Parents