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Learning Goal: Use positive and negative numbers to describe opposite real-world situations like above/below zero.

Vocabulary

positive numberA number greater than zero, often meaning gain, above, or right.
negative numberA number less than zero, often meaning loss, below, or left.
oppositeTwo numbers the same distance from zero in different directions, like 5 and −5.
zeroThe starting point that separates positive and negative values.

What You Need to Know

  • Negative numbers describe values below or less than zero, like −4°F or a $20 debt.
  • Positive and negative are opposite directions from a chosen zero point.
  • Common pairs: above/below sea level, deposit/withdrawal, gain/loss, hotter/colder.
  • Zero is neither positive nor negative; it is the reference point.
  • The sign tells direction, and the number tells how far from zero.
  • Choose what zero means for the situation before assigning signs.

Worked Example I Do — watch how it works

A diver is 30 feet below sea level. Write this as an integer and name the opposite situation.
  1. Step 1. Sea level is zero, and 'below' means negative.
  2. Step 2. Write the depth as −30.
  3. Step 3. The opposite, +30, would mean 30 feet above sea level.
Answer: −30 feet (opposite: +30 feet above sea level)

Guided Practice We Do — try it together

  1. 1. Write an integer for 'withdrew $15 from a bank account.'
    💡 Hint: A withdrawal takes money away, so it is below zero.
  2. 2. The temperature is 8 degrees below zero. Write it as an integer.
    💡 Hint: Below zero means negative.
  3. 3. What is the opposite of a 12-foot elevation gain when hiking?
    💡 Hint: The opposite direction of going up is going down.

Independent Practice You Do — show your work

  1. 1. Write an integer for 'deposited $50.'
  2. 2. Write an integer for a temperature of 5 degrees below zero.
  3. 3. A submarine sits 200 feet below sea level. Write its position as an integer.
  4. 4. What is the opposite of −7?
  5. 5. A football team loses 6 yards on a play. Write it as an integer.

MCAP-Style Practice

Directions: Answer each item the way you would on the MCAP. For selected-response items, fill in the circle (○) next to the correct answer. For constructed-response items, enter your answer and show your work. Every item below assesses standard 6.NS.C.5.
Item 1Selected Response6.NS.C.5

Which situation is best represented by the integer −25?

Select the correct answer.

Item 2Selected Response6.NS.C.5

Death Valley is about 282 feet below sea level. Which integer represents this elevation?

Select the correct answer.

Item 3Constructed Response6.NS.C.5

A thermostat reads −3°F. Describe what its opposite, +3°F, would mean.

Enter your answer in the space provided. Show your work.

Enter your answer:
Teacher Answer Key (click to show)
Independent 1+50
Independent 2−5
Independent 3−200
Independent 4+7
Independent 5−6
Item 1 · 6.NS.C.5B — A withdrawal removes money, which is a value below zero, matching −25.
Item 2 · 6.NS.C.5C — Below sea level is negative, so the elevation is −282 feet.
Item 3 · 6.NS.C.53°F above zero — The opposite of −3 is +3, which is 3 degrees above zero instead of below.
Neft Teacher · Grade 6 MCAP Mathematics Review · Standard 6.NS.C.5