Worked example 1
Order from least to greatest: -4, 2, -7, 0, 5.
Place them on the number line. From left to right: -7, -4, 0, 2, 5.
Answer: -7 < -4 < 0 < 2 < 5
Grade 6 Math · Topic 28
Comparing and Ordering Integers
To compare integers, picture the number line. The number that is farther right is greater. Be careful with negatives: -2 is greater than -5 even though 5 > 2. Bigger absolute value with a negative sign means smaller, not bigger.
Lesson alignment: 6.NS.C.7 · Take your time. You can return to this lesson whenever you need it.
Explore visually
Compare and order integers
Move both points. Read the number line from left to right to decide which value is smaller.
Think first: Which is greater, −3 or −8? Predict which point will lie farther to the right.
Ready? Reveal the model and try your prediction
Swipe horizontally to see the full diagram.
Turn on JavaScript to adjust this model. The examples and practice below work without it.
Grade 6 core skill · 6.NS.C.7.d
Separate a number's order from its distance from zero
A number line shows order: numbers farther right are greater. Absolute value shows distance from zero. These compare different features, so a greater absolute value does not always mean a greater number.
Compare −8 and −3.
Since −3 is farther right, −3 > −8. But |−8| = 8 and |−3| = 3, so |−8| > |−3|.
−8 < −3, but |−8| > |−3|
In context, a debt of $8 is less than a debt of $3 as a balance, but the $8 debt has greater magnitude.
Read the comparison symbol and ask whether it describes position on the number line or size of distance from zero.
Quick check: Which is greater, −5 or −2? Which has the greater absolute value?
−2 is greater because it is farther right. |−5| is greater because 5 units is farther from zero than 2.
Follow the worked examples
Read each step, then cover the explanation and see if you can explain why it works.
Worked example 2
Compare -15 and -9.
Both negative. |-15| = 15 > 9 = |-9|, so -15 is farther from 0 on the negative side. Therefore -15 < -9.
Answer: -15 < -9
Try a few on your own
Work these on paper first. Open “Check” when you are ready to compare your answer.
- -3 □ -8
Check
>
- -12 □ -4
Check
<
- 0 □ -6
Check
>
- 5 □ -7
Check
>
- -1 □ -1
Check
=
- -9 □ -11
Check
>
- Order: -2, 4, -5, 0
Check
-5, -2, 0, 4
- Order: -10, 3, -7, 8, -1
Check
-10, -7, -1, 3, 8
Try this situation 1
The lowest recorded winter temperatures in three cities were -12°F, -5°F, and -20°F. Which city was the coldest?
Show a worked solution
Answer: The city with -20°F.
Most negative = coldest. -20 < -12 < -5.
Try this situation 2
Four golfers had scores -3, +2, -5, and 0 (relative to par). Order the scores from best (lowest) to worst.
Show a worked solution
Answer: -5 < -3 < 0 < +2.
In golf, lower is better. Use the number line ordering.
Fresh questions · saved on this device
Practice this skill
Try a fresh set each time. Answer one question, check your thinking, and read the explanation. If you miss one, return to the visual model and try another round.
Question 1 of 50 correct so far
Session complete
Check what you learned
Answer these five questions on your own. You can review the explanations after you submit and try again whenever you like. This short check is for practice, not a grade.
Practice and finish
Try the linked topic quiz for more practice. If something is tricky, return to the example and look for the step that changes the numbers or representation.
Your checkmark, skill-practice sessions, and best exit-check score are saved on this browser and device. The course page can download a progress report to share with a tutor or teacher.
More Grade 6 resources
Use these free materials if you want another explanation, extra paper practice, or a broader review.