Number Line Comparison: Determine the Relationship Between C and -3

Q: Why is -3 less than 3 when they look almost the same?

The negative sign makes all the difference! Think of it like temperature: -3°C is much colder (smaller) than 3°C. On a number line, negative numbers are always to the left of positive numbers.

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

Think "Left = Less"! Numbers get smaller as you move left, and larger as you move right. This works for all numbers - positive, negative, and zero.

Q: What does the letter C represent in this problem?

Letter C is just a label for a point on the number line. Looking at the diagram, point C sits directly above the number -3, so $ C = -3 $.

Q: Is C < 3 the same as saying -3 < 3?

Yes, exactly! Since point C represents the value -3, the statement "C

Q: How can I double-check my answer?

Use the number line! Find where each number sits, then see which is further left. You can also think: "Is a negative number ever greater than a positive number?" The answer is always no.

Number Line Comparison with Negative Numbers

Solve the exercise

C ? 3

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Understand the problem

Solve the exercise

C ? 3

Step-by-step solution

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

$C=-3$

Therefore:

$-3 < 3$

$-3<3$

Final Answer

$C < 3$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Position Rule: On number lines, left positions represent smaller values
Technique: Point C is at -3, which is left of 3
Check: Since -3 is negative and 3 is positive, -3 < 3 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Confusing absolute value with actual value
Don't think that -3 equals 3 because they look similar = wrong comparison! This ignores the negative sign which makes -3 much smaller. Always remember that negative numbers are always less than positive numbers.

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 -3 less than 3 when they look almost the same?

The negative sign makes all the difference! Think of it like temperature: -3°C is much colder (smaller) than 3°C. On a number line, negative numbers are always to the left of positive numbers.

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

Think "Left = Less"! Numbers get smaller as you move left, and larger as you move right. This works for all numbers - positive, negative, and zero.

What does the letter C represent in this problem?

Letter C is just a label for a point on the number line. Looking at the diagram, point C sits directly above the number -3, so $C = -3$ .

Is C < 3 the same as saying -3 < 3?

Yes, exactly! Since point C represents the value -3, the statement "C < 3" means the same thing as "-3 < 3". Both are true statements.

How can I double-check my answer?

Use the number line! Find where each number sits, then see which is further left. You can also think: "Is a negative number ever greater than a positive number?" The answer is always no.

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