Represent integers on a number line

The number line represents integers as equally spaced points, with zero as the reference point, positive integers to the right, and negative integers to the left; a point’s position determines its value and order. This representation shows that opposites are equally distant from zero on opposite sides, and that greater integers lie farther right, while distance from zero gives absolute value. The focus is on integer locations and comparisons, not on more general real-number or coordinate-plane extensions.

Detailed Explanation: Represent integers on a number line

A number line shows integers as equally spaced points:

$0$ is the reference point.
Positive integers are to the right of $0$ .
Negative integers are to the left of $0$ .
Numbers farther right are greater.
The distance from $0$ is the absolute value.

Example: Place $-3$ and $2$ on a number line. Which integer is greater?

Start at $0$ .
To locate $-3$ , move $3$ equal spaces left:

-3 \quad \text{is 3 spaces left of } 0.

To locate $2$ , move $2$ equal spaces right:

2 \quad \text{is 2 spaces right of } 0.

A simple number line is:

\ldots\ -4\quad -3\quad -2\quad -1\quad 0\quad 1\quad 2\quad 3\ \ldots

Compare the positions. Since $2$ is farther right than $-3$ ,

2>-3.

The numbers $-3$ and $3$ are opposites because they are the same distance from $0$ on opposite sides. Also, the absolute value of $-3$ is its distance from $0$ :

\vert -3 \vert =3.

Learn by doing: Represent integers on a number line

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Number Line - Positive Integers, Select Dot - From Ticks

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