See what happens when we have positive and negative numbers in claculations. Can you see and explain why this happens?
+ve& -ve Numbers
Play With Numbers
See The Maths!
Two minuses make a plus.” We all learn the rule, but do we understand why? For many students, Directed Numbers (Integers) feel like a list of confusing tricks. When students rely on rote memorisation, they make mistakes as soon as the pressure is on.
This tool uses Algebra Tiles—a visual method used by top mathematicians to turn abstract numbers into physical objects. By moving, flipping, and grouping tiles, you build a “Mental Model” of how numbers behave.
This breaks down the specific learning outcomes of this digital manipulative.
Learn the most powerful secret in algebra: +1 and -1 combine to make Zero.
Use the "Free Play" mode to drag Red and Green tiles together and watch them vanish!
How can you do 3 - (-2), if you don't have any negatives to take away?
Watch the "Visualise" animations in Question Mode to see how adding Zero Pairs unlocks the answer.
Visualise multiplication as "Groups of." See exactly why -2 x -3 results in a positive 6.
Use the "Groups" mode to build arrays and flip signs physically.
Directed Numbers Digital Manipulative
Here's a quick guide to ensure they get the most out of the features we built.
Free Play Sandbox: Experiment freely! Drag tiles from the bank, create Zero Pairs, and hit "Simplify" to tidy up your workspace and find the total value.
Challenge Yourself: Switch to ‘Questions Mode’ to tackle specific topics:
Add & Subtract: Master the basics.
Multiply: See integers as groups.
Divide: Learn to share negatives into groups.
Signs & Brackets: Understand how signs flip.
Get Stuck? Watch the Explanation: If a question is tricky (like -4 ÷ -2), click the 'Watch Explanation' button. The tool will take over and animate the solution step-by-step.
Master Directed Numbers
At Singapore Maths Academy, we believe in building strong foundations. This tool is a digital “Concrete” experience.
Concrete: Manipulating the digital tiles.
Pictorial: Seeing the patterns form on the grid.
Abstract: Answering the equation correctly.
By mastering the tiles here, you aren’t just getting the right answer today—you are preparing your brain for complex algebra in GCSE and beyond.
"She just tried it out, and she likes it."“Thank you so much for sharing this times table game. My daughter just tried it out, and she likes it. It’s simple and competitive at the same time. I like the fact that it doesn’t have too much going on, which sometimes makes the kids distracted. ”
We have many different Maths challenges you can explore and have a go at. From adding and subtracting to sequences, we've got you covered!
