The Number Line

Integers can be shown on a number line:

$\longleftarrow \text{-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5} \longrightarrow$

• Numbers increase as you move right
• Numbers decrease as you move left

Comparing Integers

On a number line:

• Numbers to the right are greater
• Numbers to the left are less

Examples:

• $5 > -3$ (5 is to the right of -3)
• $-1 > -4$ (-1 is to the right of -4)
• $-2 < 0$ (-2 is to the left of 0)

Absolute Value

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero (always positive):

$|-5| = 5 \quad \text{and} \quad |5| = 5$

Both -5 and 5 are 5 units from zero.

Real-World Examples

• Temperature: $-10°$ (below zero)
• Elevation: $-50$ feet (below sea level)
• Money: -\20$ (debt/owe money)

Numbers to the right are greater.

Answer: $-3$ is greater than $-7$ (written: $-3 > -7$)