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MathidiaMathematics Academy
Integers and negative numbers
Lesson 7 of 75
Easy practice

Order directed numbers

Objective. Compare and order positive and negative integers.

  1. 1. Learn
  2. 2. Worked example
  3. 3. Practice
  4. 4. Feedback
  5. 5. Continue

Learn: the key idea

Directed numbers are positive and negative numbers. To order them, place them on a number line: the further right, the greater. Every negative number is less than every positive number, and among negatives the one closest to zero is greatest. For example, in ascending order: −7, −2, 0, 3, 5.

Worked example

Order these directed numbers from smallest to largest: 3, −7, 0, −2, 5.

3 … 7
Illustrated card showing 3 … 7
  1. 1Place each number on a number line.
  2. 2Negative numbers are left of zero; the further left, the smaller.
  3. 3−7 is further left than −2, so −7 is smallest.
  4. 4Order: −7, −2, 0, 3, 5.

Answer: −7, −2, 0, 3, 5

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Common mistake. A common error is ordering negatives by their digits, writing −2, −5, −9 as 'smallest to largest'. Reverse thinking for negatives: −9 is the smallest because it is furthest below zero.

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