INTRODUCTION TO INTEGERS

1−2=?
Have you ever wondered what the
smallest number is? (I’ll give you a hint:
it is not zero!) Or maybe, what happens
when we subtract a number by an even
larger number?

The Concept of Negative Numbers

Recall that the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and so on, are known as the

Natural Numbers. Natural numbers are most often used for counting or
numbering objects, with zero as the smallest as it indicates the “lack” of the
object being counted.

However, during the 7th century, an Indian Mathematician named

Brahmagupta proposed the use of negative numbers to indicate deficits.

Negative Numbers – are real numbers less than zero. They are
represented by a – (negative) sign in front of the number. Generally,
the larger the absolute value of the number, the smaller it is!

In order to understand negative numbers better, let’s take a look at this

number line:

The numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are called positive numbers. The

numbers -1, -2, -3, -4, and -5 are called negative numbers. Zero serves as the
boundary between the two types of numbers, so it is neither positive nor
negative. Note: The number line extends both ways, which means that there
are a set of infinite positive and negative numbers
Integers

Integers are whole numbers which can be positive, zero, or negative.

Which of the following is an integer?

1
2 −5 0.3 √2 π
3

Some Real-Life Uses of Integers:

1. Temperature
2. Altitude (below and above sea level)
3. Debts
 COMPARING AND ORDERING INTEGERS

Comparing Integers:

1. Negative numbers are always less than positive numbers. −¿ 0<+ ¿

2. When dealing with positive numbers, the larger number is always the
greater one. 25>10
3. When dealing with negative numbers, identify their absolute value. The
larger the absolute value is, the smaller the number. −15>−28

Try these: Fill in the blanks with the correct symbol. ¿∨¿

1. -12 -15
2. 23 -11
3. 0 -4
4. –6 1
5. -10 -9

Arranging Integers:

1. Start by arranging the negative numbers since these are always less than
the positive numbers.
2. Remember that the larger the absolute value of a negative number, the
smaller it is.
3. Zero should always be placed between the largest negative number and
the smallest positive number.
4. Arrange the positive numbers normally.

Try these: Arrange the ff. integers in the order indicated.

1. 2 −5 −11 13 −1 Ascending
2. 0 −13 −2 6 4 Descending
3. 25 −1 5 14 −21 −7 Ascending