Negatives: Error Analysis & Misconceptions

Mathematics
Grade 8
12 questions
~24 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet focuses on understanding and correcting misconceptions related to negatives in algebraic expressions, especially when collecting like terms. It aims to develop procedural fluency and reasoning skills for Grade 8 students.

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Negatives: Error Analysis & Misconceptions

Subject: MathematicsGrade: Grade 8
Name:
Date:
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Grade 8
A

Fluency & Practice

Solve the following problems involving negatives. Show your working on the grid.
1.
Simplify: 3x - 5 + (-2x) + 4
[2 marks]
2.
Combine like terms: -7a + 3 - 4a + 8
[2 marks]
3.
Calculate: (-6) + 9 - (-3) + (-2)
[2 marks]
B

Problem Solving & Reasoning

Complete the multi-step problems below, explaining your reasoning.
1.
Joe had -4 pencils and bought 7 more. Then, he gave away 3 pencils. How many pencils does he have now?
[3 marks]
2.
A submarine is at a depth of 150 meters below sea level. It ascends 40 meters, then descends 25 meters. What is its final depth?
[3 marks]
3.
Explain why combining -3x + 5x + (-2x) results in a different answer if you forget to treat negatives correctly.
[3 marks]
C

Real-world Applications

Solve these real-world word problems involving negatives.
1.
A temperature drops from 3°C to -5°C overnight. What is the total change in temperature?
[3 marks]
2.
A bank account balance is -$150. If the account owner deposits $200, what is the new balance?
[3 marks]
D

Challenge & Extension

Attempt these challenging problems involving negatives. Show detailed working.
1.
Solve for x: -2(3x - 4) + 5 = 11
[3 marks]
2.
Construct an algebraic expression involving negatives that simplifies to 4x - 2.
[3 marks]
E

Mixed Review & Error Analysis

Identify the errors in the following student work and correct them.
1.
Student's work: Simplifies -5a + 3a - 2 + 4 to -2a + 4. Is this correct? If not, correct the mistake.
[3 marks]
2.
A student adds (-8) + 5 + (-3) and gets 10. Explain the mistake and provide the correct answer.
[3 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet