Integers &Absolute Value
Absolute value of a number must be always positive number (greater than zero). Two vertical bars are used to denote the absolute value of a number. It is the distance between the number and zero on anumber line.
Example:
|8| = 8
|-4| = 4
Comparing Integers Using Number Line
To compare the integers on a number line, place the values on the line. The number which is closer to zero in the left is the greatest number and the number in the right side is the smallest number.
Numbers on the left of zero are always smaller than numbers on the right. In the negative integer biggest negative integer has the lowest value compare to the smallest negative integer.
Example:
Here -4 is greater than -9, because -4 is closer to 0.
Example:
Which of the following numbers is greater than -7?
-9, -11, 6, -2, 0
Solution: -2, 0, 6
Comparing Integers using the symbols (<, > and =)
Comparing Positive Integer
Symbol : >
Meaning: Greater than or Larger than
Example: 5 > 2, 12 > 8
Symbol: <
Meaning: Less than or Smaller than
Example: 4 < 7, 19 < 34
Symbol: =
Meaning: Equal to or Same as
Example: 10 = 10
Comparing Negative Integer
In negative integers, smallest number is always large and largest number is always small.
Example: -3 > -5 and -6 < -4
Compare the pairs of integers using <, > or =
-3 ____ -4
-15 ____ 17
-13 _____ -13
Solution
-3 > -4
-15 < 17
-13 = -13
Write the Mathematical expressions for the following statement
1. 11 is less than 16
Answer: 11 < 16
2. -7 is greater than -15
Answer: -7 > -15
3. 12 is equal to 12
Answer: 12 = 12
Related Tags
Integers , Absolute Values , Comparing Integers