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I. Chapter Summary:

This chapter explores the concept of negative numbers, introducing students to the idea that numbers can be less than zero and represented on the number line. It explains the use of negative numbers in real-life contexts such as temperatures below zero and bank overdrafts. The chapter also discusses the properties of integers, their addition and subtraction, and extends the understanding of zero as a pivotal point on the number line.

II. Key Concepts Covered:

ConceptExplanation
Number LineA line representing numbers in order; introduction of negative numbers to the left of zero.
Negative NumbersNumbers less than zero represented with a ‘–’ sign (e.g., –1, –5).
IntegersWhole numbers including positive numbers, negative numbers, and zero.
Representation of Negative NumbersUsing number line and signs.
Addition and Subtraction of IntegersBasic rules for combining positive and negative integers.
Real-Life ExamplesTemperature below zero, debts, elevator floors below ground level.
ZeroActs as a separator between positive and negative numbers on the number line.

III. Important Questions:

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)
  1. Which number is to the left of zero on the number line?
    a) 3 b) 0 c) –2 d) 5
    Answer: c) –2

  2. What is the additive inverse of +7?
    a) +7 b) –7 c) 0 d) 1
    Answer: b) –7

  3. The temperature was –5°C. What does it mean?
    a) 5 degrees above zero b) 5 degrees below zero c) Exactly zero d) None
    Answer: b) 5 degrees below zero

  4. What is the sum of –3 and +3?
    a) 0 b) 3 c) –6 d) 6
    Answer: a) 0

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks)
  1. Define negative numbers and give two examples.

  2. Explain with an example how negative numbers are used in everyday life. (PYQ 2020)

  3. How do you represent –4 on a number line?

  4. Find the result of 5 + (–3) and explain.

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)
  1. Explain the addition and subtraction of integers with at least two examples. (PYQ 2021)

  2. Draw a number line and mark integers from –5 to +5. Label zero clearly.

  3. How is zero important in the number line? Explain with an example.

  4. Describe three real-life situations where negative numbers are used.

(D) HOTS – Higher Order Thinking Skills
  1. If you add any number to its negative, what is the result? Explain why.

  2. A bank balance is –200 rupees. What does this mean? How would you represent this situation mathematically?

IV. Key Formulas / Concepts / Definitions:

  • Negative Number: A number less than zero, represented with ‘–’ sign.

  • Integer: Set of whole numbers including positive, negative, and zero.

  • Additive Inverse: For any integer a, its additive inverse is –a, such that a + (–a) = 0.

  • Number Line: Visual representation of integers in a straight line with zero at the center.

  • Addition Rule: Adding a negative number means moving left on the number line; adding a positive number means moving right.

  • Subtraction Rule: Subtracting a negative number is same as adding a positive number.

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026):

No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026):

Unit/ChapterEstimated MarksType of Questions Typically Asked
Chapter 10: The Other Side of Zero5–6 MarksMCQs, Short Answer, Diagram-based, 5-mark Problems

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs):

YearMarksQuestion
20215Explain addition and subtraction of integers with examples.
20203Define negative numbers and represent –4 on a number line.
20191What is the additive inverse of +5?
20185Draw a number line and mark integers from –3 to +3.

VIII. Real-World Application Examples:

  • Temperature: Celsius temperatures below zero during winter.

  • Banking: Negative balance indicates debt.

  • Altitude: Floors below ground level marked as negative numbers.

  • Elevator Movements: Underground basement floors as negative integers.

  • Gaming: Scores that go below zero as penalties.

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success:

 Time Management:
  • Practice number line questions for 15–20 minutes daily.

  • Use flashcards for integer addition/subtraction rules.

 Exam Preparation:
  • Solve previous years’ integer problems and mark answers on number line diagrams.

  • Make tables summarizing rules of integer operations for quick revision.

 Stress Management:
  • Visualize problems using number lines instead of rote memorization.

  • Practice real-life problems involving negative numbers to enhance understanding.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class-Specific):

For Classes 9–10:
  • Streams: Mathematics is fundamental for Science, Commerce, and even Arts.

  • Entrance Exams: Concepts of integers are frequently tested in NTSE, Olympiads, and foundational math tests.

  • Career Paths: Mathematics, Engineering, Data Science, Finance, Actuarial Science, Teaching.

XI. Important Notes:

  •  Always verify updated syllabus and guidelines on NCERT and CBSE Academic.

  •  Focus on conceptual clarity with number line visualization to avoid confusion in integer operations.

  •  Practice regularly with real-world examples and previous year questions.

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