Integers · Compare & order · 2.1

Compare integers.

To compare two integers, picture the number line: the one further to the right is greater. So −2 > −7, even though 7 looks bigger than 2.

01 / THE IDEA

See it work.

On the number line

Start at 0, hop right 0.

0 + 0 = 0

-1010

Watch the method

Compare integers

−2 is right of −7, so −2 > −7.

1 / 1
−2  □  −7-2 \;\square\; -7
1

Compare on the number line

Further right is greater. -2 is right -7.

−2  >  −7-2 \;>\; -7
02 / YOUR TURN

Practice until it feels automatic.

Your turn

Work it out.

Type <, =, or >.

streak 0
best 0
…
— / WHY IT WORKS

The idea underneath.

Right means greater

Any positive beats any negative; 0 beats every negative; between two negatives, the one closer to 0 is greater.

Why it works

−2 °C is warmer than −7 °C.

03 / WORKED EXAMPLES

From easy to tricky.

EX 1easy

Compare: 7 ▢ -6

1

Compare on the number line

Further right is greater. 7 is right -6. 7 > -6

EX 2medium

Compare: -8 ▢ 9

1

Compare on the number line

Further right is greater. -8 is left 9. -8 < 9

EX 3hard

Compare: -12 ▢ -10

1

Compare on the number line

Further right is greater. -12 is left -10. -12 < -10

04 / COMMON TRAPS

Where students slip.

Trap

Saying −7 > −2 because 7 > 2.

Fix

For negatives, the bigger digit is actually smaller.

Trap

Forgetting 0 beats every negative.

Fix

0 is to the right of all negatives.

05 / QUIZ

Test yourself.

The Test

12 problems across three tiers. Auto-graded on submit. Hints and a full walkthrough on every question. Your work is saved on this device — sign in to keep it across devices.

0/12Answered
How to answerType just the value. Formatting won't trip you up — we ignore spaces, capital letters, commas, and subscript style, so t₁ = 5, d = 3 and t1=5,d=3 both count. For a list of numbers, separate them with commas (e.g. 3, 10, 17).
Core

Core (4)

C1

Compare: 7 ▢ -6

Need a hint?
  • Picture both on the line.
  • The right-hand one is greater.
C2

Compare: 1 ▢ 2

Need a hint?
  • Picture both on the line.
  • The right-hand one is greater.
C3

Compare: 4 ▢ -12

Need a hint?
  • Picture both on the line.
  • The right-hand one is greater.
C4

Compare: -2 ▢ 4

Need a hint?
  • Picture both on the line.
  • The right-hand one is greater.
Apply

Apply (4)

A1

Compare: -8 ▢ 9

Need a hint?
  • Picture both on the line.
  • The right-hand one is greater.
A2

Compare: 7 ▢ 7

Need a hint?
  • Picture both on the line.
  • The right-hand one is greater.
A3

Compare: -9 ▢ -9

Need a hint?
  • Picture both on the line.
  • The right-hand one is greater.
A4

Compare: -7 ▢ 8

Need a hint?
  • Picture both on the line.
  • The right-hand one is greater.
Extension

Extension (4)

E1

Compare: -12 ▢ -10

Need a hint?
  • Picture both on the line.
  • The right-hand one is greater.
E2

Compare: -8 ▢ -11

Need a hint?
  • Picture both on the line.
  • The right-hand one is greater.
E3

Compare: -5 ▢ 5

Need a hint?
  • Picture both on the line.
  • The right-hand one is greater.
E4

Compare: -4 ▢ 2

Need a hint?
  • Picture both on the line.
  • The right-hand one is greater.