Compare Points D and J: Number Line Values -3 vs 3

Q: Why is -3 less than 3 when 3 is a smaller number?

The negative sign means the number is below zero on the number line. Think of it like temperature: -3°F is colder (smaller) than 3°F, even though the digit 3 appears in both!

Q: How do I remember which way the inequality sign goes?

The inequality sign points to the smaller number! Since -3 is smaller than 3, write -3

Q: What if both numbers were negative?

Compare their positions on the number line! For example, -5 closer to zero is always larger when both are negative.

Q: Do I always need to draw a number line?

Not always, but it helps! With practice, you'll remember that negative and that numbers get smaller as you move left on the number line.

Q: What does the question mark between D and J mean?

The question mark is asking you to fill in the correct comparison symbol: either (greater than). Look at the number line to determine the relationship!

Comparing Negative and Positive Integers

Fill in the corresponding sign

D ? J

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Understand the problem

Fill in the corresponding sign

D ? J

Step-by-step solution

Let's look at the number line and locate the letters:

$D=-3$

$J=3$

Therefore:

$-3 < 3$

$D < J$

Final Answer

$D < J$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Number Line Rule: Numbers to the left are always smaller than numbers to the right
Technique: Point D at -3 is left of point J at 3, so -3 < 3
Check: Negative numbers are always less than positive numbers: -3 < 3 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Thinking negative numbers are larger because they look bigger
Don't compare -3 and 3 by saying -3 > 3 because 3 looks smaller = wrong direction! The negative sign means the number is below zero. Always remember that ALL negative numbers are smaller than ALL positive numbers.

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 less than 3 when 3 is a smaller number?

The negative sign means the number is below zero on the number line. Think of it like temperature: -3°F is colder (smaller) than 3°F, even though the digit 3 appears in both!

How do I remember which way the inequality sign goes?

The inequality sign points to the smaller number! Since -3 is smaller than 3, write -3 < 3. The "mouth" of the sign always "eats" the bigger number.

What if both numbers were negative?

Compare their positions on the number line! For example, -5 < -2 because -5 is further left. The number closer to zero is always larger when both are negative.

Do I always need to draw a number line?

Not always, but it helps! With practice, you'll remember that negative < positive and that numbers get smaller as you move left on the number line.

What does the question mark between D and J mean?

The question mark is asking you to fill in the correct comparison symbol: either < (less than), = (equal to), or > (greater than). Look at the number line to determine the relationship!

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