Math explorers

Negative Numbers & Number Line

Grade 6Integers

Locate integers, compare values, and explore coordinates and absolute value.

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1Integers on a number line

Integers include negative whole numbers, zero, and positive whole numbers. Numbers increase as you move right.

Worked example−5 < −2 < 0 < 3

A temperature of −2 degrees is warmer than −5 degrees. Negative numbers closer to zero are greater.

Opposites are equally far from zero on different sides. Absolute value measures distance from zero and is never negative.

Worked exampleOpposite of 7: −7. |−7| = 7

Both −7 and 7 are seven units from zero. Zero is its own opposite.

Write coordinates as (x, y). Move horizontally for x, then vertically for y. Points on the axes are not in any quadrant.

Worked exampleI (+,+) II (−,+) III (−,−) IV (+,−)

The point (−3, 2) is three units left and two up, in quadrant II. The point (4, −3) is in quadrant IV.

Moving right increases x; moving up increases y. A reflection across an axis changes the sign of the other coordinate.

Worked example(3, −2) reflected across y-axis → (−3, −2)

Across the x-axis, (3, −2) becomes (3, 2). On a number line, the distance from −6 to 4 is 6 + 4 = 10 units.

Question 1 of 5

What is the absolute value of −12?

Need a hint?

Absolute value is distance from zero.