Understand the idea.
Further right means greater
On a number line, moving right leads to greater values. Thus is greater than , even though 3 is the smaller distance from zero. In the diagram, point B lies to the right of point A.
Compare complete signed numbers. Every negative integer is less than zero, and zero is less than every positive integer. Between two negatives, the one closer to zero is greater because it lies further right.
Ascending and descending order
Ascending order reads the number line from left to right, from least to greatest. Descending order reads it in reverse. Place negative values carefully before combining them with zero and any positive values.
The narrow end of or faces the smaller number. Read the finished statement aloud: says negative twelve is less than negative five. Reading it helps catch a sign pointing the wrong way.
See the method in action.
Order a mixed collection
Write 4, −8, 0 and −3 in ascending order.
Worked solution
- 1
Separate the values around zero.
Negative integers come before zero and positive integers in ascending order.
- 2
Order the negative values.
Negative eight is further left on the number line.
- 3
Join the values from least to greatest.
Reading left to right gives the required order: −8, −3, 0, 4.
−8, −3, 0, 4
Choose a comparison sign
Put < or > between −7 and −11.
Worked solution
- 1
Locate both signed values.
Negative seven is closer to zero and therefore further right than negative eleven.
- 2
Choose the sign with its open end at −7.
The greater-than sign opens toward the greater number.
Try it yourself.
Check your understanding
Which is greater: −4 or −9?
Show answer & reasoning
−4
Negative four lies to the right of negative nine, so . Therefore is the greater integer.
Keep practising
6 worksheet questions · 13 marks
Read the questions online
- Write 3, −4, 0, −8 and 6 in ascending order.2 marks
- Put , or between and .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 and .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 ↗