© 2004  Rasmus ehf

Negative numbers

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Lesson 1

 

    When the temperature drops below 0 on a thermometer, we use numbers that are less than 0. 
  Negative numbers

    The temperature shown on the thermometer is -3 or minus three.  In Centigrade, this means that the temperature is 3 degrees below freezing. This can also be shown on a number line:

Negative numbers Positive numbers
-4 is greater than -5 3 is greater than -4 5 is greater than 4
-4 > -5 3 > -4 5 > 4
or -5 < -4 or -4 < 3 or 4 < 5

 

Example:

    Which number is greater, 2 or -5?

    We can see on the number line that 2 is greater than -5. 

Example:

  What is the difference in temperature between the Westmann Islands and Akureyri?

Westmann islands Akureyri
Two degrees above freezing in the Westmann islands Five degrees below freezing in Akureyri

 

 

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 The arrow head points to the smaller number. 

Practice these methods and try Quiz 1 on Negative numbers. Remember to use the Checklist to keep track of your work.