Ordering and Comparing Integers
Integers are compared almost in the same way as whole numbers, but with addition of some rules.
Steps for comparing integers:
- If we compare numbers with different signs, then negative number is less than positive.
- If numbers are both positive then this is the case when we compare whole numbers.
- If numbers are both negative then we compare numbers without signs. The bigger positive number, the smaller negative. For example, if we compare -3 and -5, then we compare 3 and 5 (numbers without signs). Since then .
Example 1. Compare 4567 and -12345.
Numbers are with different signs. Negative number is always less than positive. Therefore, .
Next example.
Example 2. Compare -300 and 0.
0 is always bigger than any negative number, so .
Next example.
Example 3. Compare -12 and -234.
Compare numbers without signs: 12 and 234.
Since then .
Next example.
Example 4. Compare -234 and -123.
Compare numbers without signs: 234 and 123.
Since then .
Last example.
Example 5. Compare -2345 and -2346.
Compare numbers without signs: 2345 and 2346.
Since then .
Now, practice a bit.
Exercise 1. Compare -456 and 12.
Answer: . Hint: numbers are with different signs.
Next exercise.
Exercise 2. Compare 0 and 12.
Answer: . Hint: positive number is greater than 0.
Next exercise.
Exercise 3. Compare -45673 and -234.
Answer: .
Next exercise.
Exercise 4. Compare -3456 and -3500.
Answer: .
Last exercise.
Exercise 5. Compare -86743 and -86743.
Answer: Numbers are equal, i.e. .