Math 6H ( Period 5)

Integers & Absolute Value 3-1

Chapter 3-1: Integers and Absolute Value

Integers are the whole numbers and their opposites, which are negative.

Whole numbers are 0, 1, 2, 3…

Notice there are NO FRACTIONS OR DECIMALS in the Integer number system

There are negative fractions and decimals but they are not integers.

We use a number line to understand negative numbers.

Negative numbers are to the LEFT of zero.

Lots of real world situations must be expressed as negatives:

Owing money

Temperatures below zero

Losing yardage in a football game

Diving below the surface level of the water

Absolute value is the distance between a number and zero.

Distance is always positive so absolute value is always positive EXCEPT ZERO WHICH IS NEUTRAL.

The absolute value of 3 is 3 because it’s 3 from zero.

The absolute value of -3 is also zero because it’s 3 steps from zero.The absolute value signs are 2 vertical bars surrounding the number:

I 3 I = I -3 I = 3

Opposites are the same distance from zero but one is positive and one is negative.

3 and -3 are opposites.

Compare and Order Integers

First, look at the signs of the numbers: Positive is always > negative

Next, if a number is to the right of another number on the number line, it is >

Therefore, -3 > -10 or -10 < -3

You can write this either way.

0 is > negative numbers

Using the number line really helps!