Compare Points E and H: Number Line Position Analysis

Q: Why is -1 smaller than 2 when 1 looks bigger than 2?

The negative sign changes everything! Think of it as owing money: owing $1 is worse than having $2. On the number line, negative numbers are always to the left of positive numbers.

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

Think of the inequality sign as a hungry mouth that always wants to eat the bigger number. Since 2 is bigger than -1, the mouth opens toward 2: \( -1 .

Q: What if I can't see the number line clearly?

Look for the numerical values below each point. Point E shows -1 and point H shows 2. Any negative number is always smaller than any positive number!

Q: Do I always compare the numbers without their signs first?

No! The sign is the most important part. Always consider whether numbers are positive or negative before comparing their absolute values.

Q: What's the easiest way to compare negative and positive numbers?

Use this simple rule: Negative . Any negative number (like -1) is automatically smaller than any positive number (like 2).

Number Line Comparison with Negative and Positive Integers

Fill in the corresponding sign

$E?H$

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Fill in the corresponding sign

$E?H$

Step-by-step solution

Let's locate the number that represents the letter on the number line:

$E=-1$

$H=2$

We should note that 2 is a positive number, and minus 1 is a negative number, therefore:

$-1 < 2$

Final Answer

$<$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Numbers to the left are always smaller than numbers to the right
Technique: Point E is at -1, point H is at 2, so -1 < 2
Check: Verify positions: E is left of zero, H is right of zero ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Thinking negative numbers are bigger because they look bigger
Don't assume -1 > 2 because 1 looks bigger than 2 = completely wrong comparison! Negative numbers are always smaller than positive numbers. Always remember that negative means 'less than zero' on the number line.

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 -1 smaller than 2 when 1 looks bigger than 2?

The negative sign changes everything! Think of it as owing money: owing $1 is worse than having$ 2. On the number line, negative numbers are always to the left of positive numbers.

How do I remember which way the inequality sign goes?

Think of the inequality sign as a hungry mouth that always wants to eat the bigger number. Since 2 is bigger than -1, the mouth opens toward 2: $-1 < 2$ .

What if I can't see the number line clearly?

Look for the numerical values below each point. Point E shows -1 and point H shows 2. Any negative number is always smaller than any positive number!

Do I always compare the numbers without their signs first?

No! The sign is the most important part. Always consider whether numbers are positive or negative before comparing their absolute values.

What's the easiest way to compare negative and positive numbers?

Use this simple rule: Negative < Zero < Positive. Any negative number (like -1) is automatically smaller than any positive number (like 2).

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