Find the Relationship Between Points B and J on a -5 to 6 Number Line

Q: Why is -4 less than 4 if they look the same size?

The negative sign makes all the difference! Think of it like temperature: -4°F is colder (smaller) than 4°F. On a number line, negative numbers are always to the left of positive numbers.

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

Use this simple trick: imagine you're walking on the number line. As you walk to the right, the numbers get bigger (like counting up). Walking left makes numbers smaller.

Q: What if both numbers were negative?

With two negative numbers, the one closer to zero is larger! For example: -2 > -5 because -2 is only 2 steps from zero, while -5 is 5 steps away.

Q: Do I always use the less than symbol (<) when comparing?

No! Use the symbol that shows the true relationship. If the left number is smaller, use $ . If it's larger, use \( > $. The symbol points to the smaller number.

Number Line Comparison with Negative and Positive Integers

Solve the exercise

B ? J

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Understand the problem

Solve the exercise

B ? J

Step-by-step solution

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

$B=-4$

$J=4$

Therefore:

$-4<4$

$B < J$

Final Answer

$B < J$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Number Line Rule: Numbers increase in value as you move right
Technique: Count positions: B is at -4, J is at 4
Check: Verify -4 < 4 since -4 is 8 positions left of 4 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Confusing negative number magnitude with value
Don't think -4 > 4 because 4 looks bigger = wrong comparison! Negative numbers are always smaller than positive numbers. Always remember the number line: left means smaller, right means larger.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Fill in the corresponding sign

D ? J

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why is -4 less than 4 if they look the same size?

The negative sign makes all the difference! Think of it like temperature: -4°F is colder (smaller) than 4°F. On a number line, negative numbers are always to the left of positive numbers.

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

Use this simple trick: imagine you're walking on the number line. As you walk to the right, the numbers get bigger (like counting up). Walking left makes numbers smaller.

What if both numbers were negative?

With two negative numbers, the one closer to zero is larger! For example: -2 > -5 because -2 is only 2 steps from zero, while -5 is 5 steps away.

Do I always use the less than symbol (<) when comparing?

No! Use the symbol that shows the true relationship. If the left number is smaller, use $<$ . If it's larger, use $>$ . The symbol points to the smaller number.

How can I double-check my answer?

Place both numbers on the number line and see which is further to the left - that's the smaller one. You can also think: would I rather have -4 dollars or 4 dollars? The answer shows which is bigger!

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