Comparing Integers

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Comparing Integers

Master the art of comparing positive and negative numbers!

The Number Line

Integers are whole numbers that can be positive, negative, or zero. On a number line, numbers increase as we move to the right.

Key Concept: Numbers to the right are always greater than numbers to the left!

Comparison Rules

Rule 1: Positive Integer vs Negative Integer

Any positive number is always greater than any negative number.

5
>
-10
Rule 2: Comparing Positive Integers

When comparing two positive numbers, the larger number is greater.

8
>
3
Rule 3: Comparing Negative Integers

When comparing two negative numbers, the one closer to zero is greater. Remember: -2 > -5!

-2
>
-5
Rule 4: Zero

Zero is greater than all negative numbers and less than all positive numbers.

3
>
0
>
-4

Place Both Numbers On The Number Line

When comparing integers, you can place the numbers on the number line. This is what we will do now to show you how to compare integers. As stated already, keep in mind the following:

  • Any number to the right of 0 gets bigger and bigger as you move to the right. Therefore, if the numbers are positive, the smaller number is the one closer to 0.
  • Any number to the left of 0 gets smaller and smaller as you move to the left. Therefore, if the numbers are negative, the bigger number is the one closer to zero.
Number line
Compare 3 and -2
-2 and 3 on the number line
-2
<
3

-2 is on the left of 3, so -2 is smaller than 3.

Compare -4 and -1

At first, you may have a tendency to say that -4 is bigger than -1 because 4 is bigger than 1.

However, this is not the case. -1 is bigger than -4 because it is closer to 0.

Also, -1 is on the right of -4.

-4 and -1 on the number line
-4
<
-1
Compare -7 and -5

-5 is bigger than -7.

-7 and -5 on the number line
-7
<
-5

Quick Quiz

Which is greater: -7 or -3?
Which is greater: 5 or -10?
Which is greater: -15 or 0?

Interactive Elevator Demo

Choose two numbers and watch the elevator show you which is greater!

Practice Area

Score: 0 / 0

Fill in the correct comparison symbol: <, >, or =

Pro Tips

Visualization: Think of a number line like a thermometer. Numbers higher up (to the right) are greater, just like warmer temperatures!
Memory Trick: For negative numbers, the number with the smaller absolute value (closer to zero) is actually greater. So -2 > -5 because 2 < 5.
Quick Check: If you're unsure, place both numbers on a number line. The one to the right is always greater!

Integers