Comparing Integers | How to Compare Positive and Negative Integers
From Math with Mr. J
3 min6thMath
Summary
An introduction to integers and rational numbers -- positive and negative numbers, opposites, and absolute value, placed and compared on a number line. Mr. J keeps the focus on meaning, not operations.
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All ages
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Negative numbers extend the number line to the left of zero; absolute value is a number's distance from zero.
- What does a negative number mean in real life (like temperature)?
- What is the absolute value of a number?
- How do you compare two integers on a number line?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: integer, negative, opposite, absolute value
- Order -3, 2, and -1 from least to greatest.
- Give the absolute value of -5 and of 5.