Working with negative integers

What integers are, placing them on a number line, ordering them, and using negative numbers in real situations such as temperature.

Integers on the number line

Integers are the whole numbers and their negatives: $\ldots, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, \ldots$. Zero is neither positive nor negative.

Drag the point along the number line

Numbers further to the right are larger. Each integer has an opposite the same distance from zero on the other side.

Example 1●

The temperature is $4^\circ$C and falls by $9^\circ$C. What is the new temperature?

Start at $4$ and move $9$ to the left: $4 - 9 = -5$.

The new temperature is $-5^\circ$C.

Example 2●

Write these in order from smallest to largest: $3, -8, 0, -1, -12$.

$-12, -8, -1, 0, 3$

Flashcards

Integers

Whole numbers and their negatives, including zero.

Which is larger, $-3$ or $-9$?

$-3$ (it is further right)

Opposite of $-6$

$6$

Practice

Which is the largest?
The temperature is $4^\circ$C and falls by $9^\circ$C. Find the new temperature.
Which is true?
What is the smallest of $3, -8, 0, -1, -12$?
How many units apart are $-4$ and $7$ on a number line?
A diver is $50$ m below sea level. Write this as an integer.
What is the opposite of $-9$?
Is zero positive or negative?