Understanding Integers and Their Place on the Number Line
Grade Level:
7th Grade
Topics:
Integers
15-20 Mins
What you’ll learn
In this lesson, you’ll learn what integers are, how positive and negative numbers work, and how to understand their positions on a number line.
Why this matters
Integers are used to describe real-world situations like temperature, money, elevation, and scores. Understanding integers clearly is essential before learning operations like integer addition and subtraction.
What are integers?
Integers are whole numbers and their opposites.
They include:
Positive numbers (1, 2, 3, …)
Zero (0)
Negative numbers (−1, −2, −3, …)
Fractions and decimals are not integers.
Positive and negative numbers in real life
Positive and negative numbers help describe direction or change.
Examples:
A temperature of −5°C means 5 degrees below zero.
A bank balance of −$20 means money owed.
An elevator going down 3 floors can be represented as −3.
The number line
A number line shows numbers in order from left to right.
Numbers to the right of zero are positive.
Numbers to the left of zero are negative.
Zero is the starting point.
The farther a number is from zero, the greater its absolute value.
Absolute value tells how far a number is from 0, not whether it’s greater or less.To decide which integer is greater, look at which one is farther to the right on the number line.
Here is a quick comparison to help you understand the difference:
-6 is farther from 0, but -6 is less than 2 because it’s to the left.
Understanding opposites
Every integer has an opposite.
The opposite of 5 is −5
The opposite of −8 is 8
Opposites are the same distance from zero but on opposite sides.
Step-by-step examples
Example 1: Which number is greater: −2 or −6?
On the number line, −2 is to the right of −6
So, −2 is greater
Example 2: Place the following numbers on a number line:−4, 0, 3, −1
Order from left to right:−4, −1, 0, 3
Try it together (Parent + Student)
Draw a number line on paper. Choose a starting point at zero.
Move right for positive numbers
Move left for negative numbers
Parents: ask “Which number is farther from zero? How do you know?”
Independent practice
Students practice placing integers on number lines and comparing their values.
Common mistakes to avoid
❌ Thinking negative numbers are always smaller because they “look bigger”
❌ Confusing absolute value with actual value
❌ Forgetting that numbers increase as you move right on the number line
If you can explain why −3 is greater than −7, you understand integers well.
Duration:
