The idea, step by step
Further right means greater
Numbers increase from left to right on a number line. Therefore −3 is greater than −8: it lies further right, even though 8 is a larger whole-number size than 3. All negative integers lie below zero and every positive integer lies above zero.
Use the complete signed number, not only the size after its sign, when comparing values. Point B in the number line is greater than point A.
Ascending and descending order
Ascending order means least to greatest: move left to right. Descending order reverses that sequence. Among negative integers, the one further left has the smaller value.
Read a comparison aloud after writing it. The statement says that negative twelve is less than negative five. The narrow end of a comparison sign faces the smaller number.
A common trap
−12 is greater than −5 because 12 is greater than 5.
Instead: Compare signed positions: −12 lies left of −5, so it is smaller.
See the thinking
Order a mixed collection
Write 4, −8, 0 and −3 in ascending order.
- The negatives precede zero and the positive number.
- −8 is to the left of −3.
- Read all the positions from left to right.
Choose a comparison sign
Put < or > between −7 and −11.
- −7 lies to the right of −11.
- The number to the right is greater.
Check your understanding
Which is greater: −4 or −9?
Show answer
−4
−4 lies further right on the number line.
Your turn
6 questions · 13 marks · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Write 3, −4, 0, −8 and 6 in ascending order.2 marks
- Put <, > or = between −9 and −2.2 marks
- Find the greatest of −15, −6 and −11.2 marks
- Which integer lies strictly between −1 and 1?2 marks
- Order from coldest to warmest: −4°C, 2°C, −1°C, 0°C.2 marks
- Which of −13, −2 and 6 is closest to zero?3 marks
Read the worked solutions
Equivalent correct methods earn the corresponding marks. Include units where asked.
- Write 3, −4, 0, −8 and 6 in ascending order.2 marks
Place the integers from left to right.
The two negatives come first, followed by zero and the positives.
−8, −4, 0, 3, 6 - Put <, > or = between −9 and −2.2 marks
−9 lies further left.
- Find the greatest of −15, −6 and −11.2 marks
The greatest lies furthest right.
Among these negatives, −6 is closest to zero.
−6 - Which integer lies strictly between −1 and 1?2 marks
The consecutive integers are −1, 0 and 1.
0 - Order from coldest to warmest: −4°C, 2°C, −1°C, 0°C.2 marks
Coldest is the least signed value.
Arrange from left to right.
−4°C, −1°C, 0°C, 2°C - Which of −13, −2 and 6 is closest to zero?3 marks
Their distances from zero are 13, 2 and 6.
The least distance is 2.
−2
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 / SA Curriculum
Positive and negative numbers in context; comparing and ordering integers; number lines and directed change; adding integers; subtracting integers; mixed addition/subtraction problems. Multiplication/division of negative integers is a labelled preview, not the Year 7 core endpoint.
Official curriculum source ↗