Compare integers

Integer comparison establishes that numbers farther to the right on a number line are greater, so every positive integer is greater than zero and every negative integer, while zero is greater than every negative integer. It includes interpreting and writing $<$ , $>$ , and $=$ , recognizing that among negative integers the one with smaller absolute value is greater, and applying these relationships to ordered values and coordinate-plane locations.

Detailed Explanation: Compare integers

To compare integers, locate them on a number line. The integer farther to the right is greater.

Remember:

Every positive integer is greater than $0$ .
$0$ is greater than every negative integer.
Among negative integers, the one closer to $0$ is greater.

Example: Order $-4$ , $2$ , $0$ , and $-1$ from least to greatest.

Picture the numbers on a number line:

-4 \quad -1 \quad 0 \quad 2

Start with the number farthest left. That is $-4$ .
Move right. Next is $-1$ , then $0$ , and finally $2$ .
Write the order using less-than signs:

-4<-1<0<2

Notice that $-1>-4$ because $-1$ is closer to $0$ . Also, both $0$ and $2$ are greater than the negative integers.

Learn by doing: Compare integers

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Number Sense - Ordering 3 Integers (descending)

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Compare integers

Detailed Explanation: Compare integers

Learn by doing: Compare integers

Practice with unlimited practice problems

Practice:

Number Sense - Ordering 3 Integers (descending)