Compare (-4) and (-3.5): Selecting the Correct Inequality Symbol

Q: Why is -3.5 greater than -4 when 4 is bigger than 3.5?

Great question! With negative numbers, think of them as debts. Would you rather owe $3.50 or $4.00? You'd rather owe less money, so -3.5 is better (greater) than -4.

Q: How do I remember which negative number is bigger?

Use the number line trick! Numbers get larger as you move right toward zero. Since -3.5 is to the right of -4 on the number line, $ -3.5 > -4 $.

Q: What if I don't have a number line to draw?

Think about distance from zero! The negative number that's closer to zero is always greater. Since 3.5

Q: Do positive numbers work the same way?

No! For positive numbers, larger absolute values mean larger numbers: $ 4 > 3.5 $. But for negatives, it's the opposite: $ -3.5 > -4 $.

Q: How do I compare a negative and positive number?

Easy! Any positive number is always greater than any negative number. So 0.1 > -100, and 3.5 > -4. Positive numbers are always to the right of negatives on the number line.

Comparing Negative Numbers with Number Lines

Fill in the corresponding sign

$-4?-3.5$

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Step-by-step video solution

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Understand the problem

Fill in the corresponding sign

$-4?-3.5$

Step-by-step solution

Let's place the two numbers on the number line and observe which one is closer to zero:

Since the number -3.5 is closer to zero, it is greater:

$-4 < -3.5$

Final Answer

$<$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Negative Number Rule: Numbers closer to zero are always greater than those farther away
Number Line Technique: Place -4 and -3.5 on line; -3.5 is right of -4
Visual Check: Distance from zero: |-4| = 4, |-3.5| = 3.5, so -3.5 > -4 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Thinking larger absolute values mean larger numbers for negatives
Don't compare |-4| = 4 and |-3.5| = 3.5 and conclude -4 > -3.5 because 4 > 3.5! This ignores the negative signs completely. Always remember that for negative numbers, the one closer to zero (smaller absolute value) is actually greater.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

All negative numbers appear on the number line to the left of the number 0.

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why is -3.5 greater than -4 when 4 is bigger than 3.5?

Great question! With negative numbers, think of them as debts. Would you rather owe $3.50 or$ 4.00? You'd rather owe less money, so -3.5 is better (greater) than -4.

How do I remember which negative number is bigger?

Use the number line trick! Numbers get larger as you move right toward zero. Since -3.5 is to the right of -4 on the number line, $-3.5 > -4$ .

What if I don't have a number line to draw?

Think about distance from zero! The negative number that's closer to zero is always greater. Since 3.5 < 4, we know -3.5 is closer to zero than -4.

Do positive numbers work the same way?

No! For positive numbers, larger absolute values mean larger numbers: $4 > 3.5$ . But for negatives, it's the opposite: $-3.5 > -4$ .

How do I compare a negative and positive number?

Easy! Any positive number is always greater than any negative number. So 0.1 > -100, and 3.5 > -4. Positive numbers are always to the right of negatives on the number line.

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