Comparing Negative Numbers
Comparing Negative Numbers is a Grade 7 math skill in Illustrative Mathematics, Chapter 5: Rational Number Arithmetic. Students compare negative integers and rational numbers using a number line or reasoning about debt and temperature, understanding that farther left means lesser value.
Key Concepts
For two positive numbers $a$ and $b$, if $a b$, then their opposites have the reverse relationship: $ a < b$.
Common Questions
How do you compare negative numbers?
On a number line, negative numbers decrease in value as they move farther left from zero. Negative 8 is less than negative 3 because it is farther to the left.
Which negative number is greater: negative 7 or negative 2?
Negative 2 is greater because it is closer to zero and farther right on the number line. Greater value means closer to or above zero for negative numbers.
How can you use real-world context to compare negative numbers?
Think of temperature or debt. Negative 10 degrees is colder than negative 5 degrees, so negative 10 is less than negative 5.
How do you compare a negative number to a positive number?
Any positive number is greater than any negative number, because all positive values are to the right of zero while all negative values are to the left.
What chapter covers comparing negative numbers in Illustrative Mathematics Grade 7?
Comparing negative numbers is covered in Chapter 5: Rational Number Arithmetic in Illustrative Mathematics Grade 7.