Positive and Negative Integers
Primary 4 · Mathematics
Positive and Negative Integers
Lesson 3 of 4
25 min
Let's begin
A tour guide wrote down the temperature in four places on one very cold night: Karisimbi top −5 °C, Kinigi −2 °C, Musanze 8 °C and Kigali 15 °C. Gatete says −5 is bigger than −2 "because 5 is bigger than 2". Is he right?
On a number line, the number further to the right is always the greater one. The number further to the left is always the smaller one.
−2 is to the right of −5, so −2 > −5. Gatete is wrong: −5 °C is colder than −2 °C, so −5 is the smaller number.
Order −2, 6, −7, 0, 3, −4 from the smallest to the largest (ascending order). Picture them on the number line and read from left to right:
−7, −4, −2, 0, 3, 6
For descending order, read from right to left: 6, 3, 0, −2, −4, −7.
Explore: in the Number Line: Integers simulation, put two or three points on the line and open the Comparison Statement box to see which is greater.
Tip
Think of the cold. With negative numbers, think of temperature. −10 °C is much colder than −1 °C, so −10 is the smaller number.
Work each one in your exercise book first. Then tap Show answer to check.
Write < or > : −1 ___ −8
Answer: >. −1 is closer to zero, so it is further right.
Write < or > : −3 ___ 2
Answer: <. Every negative number is less than every positive number.
Write < or > : 0 ___ −10
Answer: >
Put in ascending order: 5, −5, −1, 1, −9
Answer: −9, −5, −1, 1, 5
Which is colder, −12 °C or −4 °C?
Answer: −12 °C, because −12 is further left on the number line.
What you learned today
Sources and credits
The stories, Rwandan worked examples, diagrams and practice questions were written by Ganzaa.
Quick check
Which sign goes in the gap? −6 ___ −2
