Comparing and Ordering Integers Check-in

Compare:
 $-3$  _____  $-5$  

• -3 > -5

• -3 = -5

• -3 < -5

Answer explanation

-3 is GREATER than -5 because it is further to the right/further up on a number line than -5 is. As we move to the right or up on a number line, integers become greater.

Compare:
 $-12$  ____  $-2$  

• -12 < -2

• -12 > -2

• -12 = -2

Answer explanation

-12 is LESS than -2 because -12 is further to the left/further down on a number line than -2. As we move to the left or down on a number line, numbers become smaller.

Order from LEAST to GREATEST: $-5,\ -17,\ 3,\ 0$  

• 3, 0, -5, -17

• 3, 0, -17, -5

• -17, -5, 0, 3

• -5, -17, 0, 3

Answer explanation

-17, -5, 0, 3 is correct because -17 is furthest to the left/down on a number line, meaning it is the smallest integer. -5 would be next because negative numbers are always to the left of/below 0 and positive numbers. 0 marks the end of negative numbers and the beginning of positive numbers and 3 is the greatest because it is the only positive nubmer in the group.

Compare: 
 $-9$  ____  $8$  

• >

• <

• =

Answer explanation

-9 < 8 because negative numbers are always less than positive numbers. 

Compare: 

 $-9\$  ____  $-1$  

• >

• <

• =

Answer explanation

-9 < -1 because -9 if further to the left or down on a number line than -1 is. 

Order from GREATEST to LEAST:

 $3,\ -12,\ 15,\ -1$  

• 15, 3, -1, -12

• 15, 3, -12, -1

• -1, -12, 3, 15

• -12, -1, 3, 15

Answer explanation

15, 3, -1, -12

Positive numbers are greater than negative numbers, which means they come first when ordering from greatest to least. 15 is greater than 3, so 15 comes first, followed by 3. -1 is greater than -12 because it is higher up (or further to the right) on a number line than -12 is.