This document defines integers and describes how to identify, graph, find the absolute value of, compare, and order integers. It explains that integers include whole numbers and their opposites, and how to identify positives and negatives in real-world examples. It recommends using a number line to graph integers by their position, find absolute value as the distance from 0, compare by position from left to right, and order integers from least to greatest by their position from left to right.

1. Understanding, Comparing, and Ordering Integers February 15, 2010

2. Vocabulary Positive numbers – numbers greater than 0 Negative numbers – numbers less than 0 Opposites – the same distance from 0 but on different sides of 0 Integers – the set of all whole numbers and their opposites Absolute value – the distance of an integer from 0 on a number line

3. Identifying Positives & Negatives in the Real World Gain – positive Loss- negative Save $ - positive Spend $ - negative Above sea level – positive Below sea level - negative

4. Graphing Integers Integers can be graphed on a number line. To graph an integer and it’s opposite, simply find where the integer is on the number line (place a dot), then find it’s opposite (positive or negative) and place a dot. A word of warning: 0 is its own opposite.

5. Finding Absolute Value This stems back to graphing integers. All absolute value tells you is how far the number is away from 0. The symbol for absolute value is

6. Comparing Integers When you compare integers, you should use a number line. The further the number is to the left on the number line, the smaller it is in value. The further the number is to the right on the number line, the larger it is in value.

7. Ordering Integers Once again, you should use a number line. It puts these numbers in order from least to greatest for you! It does all the work!!! The further a number is to the left on a number line, the smaller it is in value. The further a number is to the right on a number line, the larger it is in value.