Max Maths, Year 6, Try it, Finding the difference between positive and negative integers (2)

In the Max Maths Year 6 curriculum, students are tasked with understanding how to find the difference between positive and negative integers, using real-world scenarios such as changes in river levels throughout the year. One exercise involves using a number line to calculate the variation in river height from March to July. Students are given the heights for March and July in relation to the usual level, represented as 'm' on the number line that ranges from -9 to +9. They are instructed to count the number of steps between the two points on the number line to determine the difference in river levels, which they then record as 'm' meters.

Another activity requires students to compare the river levels between April and January. Again, using a number line with the same range, they find the heights for April and January and count the steps between these two months to calculate the difference in height, expressed in meters. The exercise also includes a table completion task where students must order the river levels for different months in ascending order. The given months are April, May, July, and September, with corresponding river levels provided in meters. Students must use their understanding of positive and negative integers to correctly sequence the river levels from lowest to highest.