Represent integers on a number line

An integer number line places zero at the origin and marks positive and negative integers at equal unit intervals, with positives to the right and negatives to the left. The position of an integer shows its order, direction, and distance from zero: opposites are equally distant on opposite sides, and greater values lie farther right, including among negative numbers. This understanding supports comparing signed quantities and locating integer coordinates; it does not extend to rational, irrational, or generalized real-number representations.

Detailed Explanation: Represent integers on a number line

An integer number line has $0$ in the center. Each tick mark is one unit apart.

Positive integers are to the right of $0$ .
Negative integers are to the left of $0$ .
To locate an integer, count its distance from $0$ in the correct direction.

Example: Represent $-4$ on a number line.

Start at $0$ .
The negative sign tells you to move left.
The number $4$ tells you to move $4$ equal units.
Count: $-1$ , $-2$ , $-3$ , $-4$ .

\text{---}\; -5 \;\text{---}\; \boxed{-4} \;\text{---}\; -3 \;\text{---}\; -2 \;\text{---}\; -1 \;\text{---}\; 0 \;\text{---}\; 1 \;\text{---}\; 2

So, $-4$ is located four units to the left of $0$ . Its opposite, $4$ , would be four units to the right of $0$ .

Learn by doing: Represent integers on a number line

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Number Line - Negative Integers, Select Dot - Labelled

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Represent integers on a number line

Detailed Explanation: Represent integers on a number line

Learn by doing: Represent integers on a number line

Practice with unlimited practice problems

Practice:

Number Line - Negative Integers, Select Dot - Labelled