Skill: Solve integer comparison problems

To compare two integers, imagine their positions on a number line:

• Numbers farther to the right are greater.
• Numbers farther to the left are less.
• Every positive integer is greater than $0$.
• $0$ is greater than every negative integer.
• Among negative integers, the number closer to $0$ is greater.

Example: Compare $-7$ and $-3$.

1. Locate $-7$ and $-3$ on a number line.
2. Since $-3$ is to the right of $-7$, $-3$ is greater.
3. Write the comparison using a symbol:

$$-7 < -3$$

Remember: although $7$ is greater than $3$, the negative number closer to zero, $-3$, has the greater value.