Order integers

Ordering integers means comparing their positions on a number line: an integer farther to the left is less, and one farther to the right is greater, with zero separating negative and positive values. This includes arranging integers in increasing or decreasing order and interpreting symbols such as < and >, while recognizing that a greater absolute value does not make a negative integer greater. The focus is on integers, not arbitrary rational or real numbers.

Detailed Explanation: Order integers

To order integers, picture them on a number line:

Numbers farther left are smaller.
Numbers farther right are greater.
Negative numbers are left of $0$ , and positive numbers are right of $0$ .

Example: Order $-7,\ 3,\ -2,\ 0,\ 5$ from least to greatest.

The negative numbers come first because they are left of $0$ . On the number line, $-7$ is farther left than $-2$ , so

-7<-2.

Next comes $0$ .
The positive numbers come after $0$ . Since $3$ is left of $5$ ,

3<5.

Therefore, the integers in increasing order are

\boxed{-7,\ -2,\ 0,\ 3,\ 5}.

Remember: among negative integers, the number with the greater absolute value is actually smaller. For example, $-7<-2$ because $-7$ is farther left on the number line.

Learn by doing: Order integers

Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill

Practice with unlimited practice problems

Number Sense - Ordering 4 Integers (both)

Earned ?

Order integers

Detailed Explanation: Order integers

Learn by doing: Order integers

Practice with unlimited practice problems

Practice:

Number Sense - Ordering 4 Integers (both)