Question 1

What are negative numbers?

Accepted Answer

Negative numbers are numbers less than zero. They are written with a minus sign (−) and appear to the left of zero on the number line. Examples: −1, −5, −100.

Question 2

Why is −8 smaller than −2?

Accepted Answer

On the number line, −8 is further to the left than −2. Further left always means smaller. Even though 8 is a bigger digit than 2, −8 is a smaller number than −2.

Question 3

How do you compare negative numbers?

Accepted Answer

To compare negative numbers, think of the number line. The number further to the right is always bigger. So −1 > −9 because −1 is closer to zero and further right.

Question 4

Where are negative numbers used in real life?

Accepted Answer

Negative numbers appear in temperatures below zero (−5°C), debt (−$200), underground floors (−1, −2), sea depth, and many other real-world situations below a reference point.

Question 5

Is zero positive or negative?

Accepted Answer

Zero is neither positive nor negative. It is the reference point on the number line — the boundary between positive and negative numbers.

Right is positive.
Left is negative.

Right is positive.
Left is negative.

Right is positive.Left is negative.

Right is positive.Left is negative.

Right is positive.
Left is negative.

Right is positive.
Left is negative.