Find the Missing Inequality Sign: Compare C and 1 on Number Line

Q: How do I know which direction means bigger on a number line?

Numbers increase from left to right on a horizontal number line. Think of it like reading - you start small on the left and get bigger as you move right. So -5

Q: Why is -3 less than 1 when 3 is bigger than 1?

The negative sign makes all the difference! Negative numbers represent values below zero, so -3 means "3 units below zero" while 1 is "1 unit above zero." Below zero is always smaller than above zero.

Q: What if the letters aren't in alphabetical order on the number line?

That's totally normal! Letters are just labels for positions - they don't have to follow alphabetical order. Always read the actual number value below each letter, not the letter itself.

Q: How can I remember that left means smaller?

Think of a thermometer lying on its side! Cold temperatures (smaller numbers) are on the left, and hot temperatures (bigger numbers) are on the right. Left = Less, Right = Greater.

Q: What inequality sign should I use?

Use $ when the first number is smaller, \( > $ when it's bigger, and $ = $ when they're equal. Since C is at -3 and that's left of 1, we write \( C .

Number Line Comparison with Negative Values

Fill in the missing sign:

$C?1$

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Understand the problem

Fill in the missing sign:

$C?1$

Step-by-step solution

Let's locate the letter on the number line and see which number it represents:

$C=-3$

Since the number 1 is positive and the number minus 3 is negative, we can write the following:

$-3 < 1$

Therefore, the answer is (b).

Final Answer

$<$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Number Line Rule: Values increase from left to right on number line
Technique: Point C represents -3, which is left of 1
Check: Verify -3 < 1 because negative numbers are always less than positive ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Confusing position with value when reading number lines
Don't assume letters closer to the beginning of the alphabet represent smaller numbers = wrong comparisons! Position on the line matters, not alphabetical order. Always locate the actual numerical value each letter represents on the number line.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 5 < -5 $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know which direction means bigger on a number line?

Numbers increase from left to right on a horizontal number line. Think of it like reading - you start small on the left and get bigger as you move right. So -5 < -3 < 0 < 1 < 3.

Why is -3 less than 1 when 3 is bigger than 1?

The negative sign makes all the difference! Negative numbers represent values below zero, so -3 means "3 units below zero" while 1 is "1 unit above zero." Below zero is always smaller than above zero.

What if the letters aren't in alphabetical order on the number line?

That's totally normal! Letters are just labels for positions - they don't have to follow alphabetical order. Always read the actual number value below each letter, not the letter itself.

How can I remember that left means smaller?

Think of a thermometer lying on its side! Cold temperatures (smaller numbers) are on the left, and hot temperatures (bigger numbers) are on the right. Left = Less, Right = Greater.

What inequality sign should I use?

Use $<$ when the first number is smaller, $>$ when it's bigger, and $=$ when they're equal. Since C is at -3 and that's left of 1, we write $C < 1$ .

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