There are 3 conditions to remember when comparing integers:
1. To compare two positive integers, the positive integer with the larger number is greater.
3 and 7 both are positive integers.
7 is a larger number than 3.
5 and 6 are positive integers.
5 is a smaller number than 6.
Therefore, 5 is less than 6.
2. To compare a positive and a negative integer, the positive integer is greater.
–3 is a negative integer and 1 is a positive integer.
A positive integer is greater than a negative integer.
Therefore, 1 is the greater integer.
–4 is a negative integer and 2 is a positive integer.
A positive integer is greater than a negative integer.
Therefore, 2 is greater than –4.
3. To compare two negative integers, the negative integer with the smaller number is greater.
–5 and –8 are negative integers.
5 is a smaller number than 8.
Therefore, –5 is larger than –8.
Both –5 and –8 are negative integers so you have to think differently.
The number closest to zero is the bigger number.
–5 is closer to zero than –8
Therefore, –5 is the greater integer
–10 and –6 are negative integers.
6 is a smaller number than 10.
–6 is greater than –10.
Therefore, –10 is less than –6.
–10 and –6 are negative integers.
The number closest to zero is the bigger number.
–6 is closer to zero than –10
Therefore, –10 is less than –6.
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