Integers
Integers
Integers is the opening topic of Numbers & Operations in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. It is aligned to Standard 6.2(C), which requires students to understand positive and negative integers, order them, and describe opposites on a number line.
The integers are the whole numbers, their opposites, and zero, ordered on a number line with negatives to the left of \(0\).
Theory
The integers are the counting numbers, their opposites, and zero: \(\ldots,-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3,\ldots\).
Ordering:
How to compare integers
- Place both on a number line.
- The one farther right is greater.
- Negatives get smaller as you move left.
- The opposite flips the sign.
Farther right on the number line is greater.
| \(-3\) | \(>\) | \(-7\) |
The opposite is the same distance from \(0\) on the other side.
| \(-(6)\) | \(=\) | \(-6\) |
Read left to right on the number line.
| \(-5,\ -2,\ 0,\ 3\) |
\(-3\) is greater than \(-8\), so it warmed.
Common pitfalls
Frequently asked questions
What are integers?
The whole numbers and their opposites, including zero.
Is zero an integer?
Yes, and it is neither positive nor negative.
Which is greater, two negatives?
The one closer to zero (farther right).
What is an opposite?
The number the same distance from zero on the other side.