Introduction to Integers

Read this text, which explains the concept of negative numbers using number lines. Pay close attention to the section "Opposite Notation", as this notation will come up frequently in the next few sections of this course. Complete the practice questions and check your answers.

Examples

Example 3.1

Plot the numbers on a number line:

ⓐ 3
ⓑ −3
ⓒ −2

Example 3.2

Order each of the following pairs of numbers using <
or >:

ⓐ 14\text  {  ___   }6
ⓑ −1\text{   ___   }9
ⓒ −1\text{   ___   }−4
ⓓ 2\text{   ___   }−20


Example 3.3

Find the opposite of each number:

ⓐ 7
ⓑ −10


Example 3.4

Simplify: −(−6).


Example 3.5

Evaluate −x:

ⓐ when x=8
ⓑ when x=−8.