Number Line Comparison: Evaluating E < C on Integer Scale (-5 to 5)

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

Great question! With negative numbers, the rules flip. Think of it like temperature: -1°F is warmer (greater) than -3°F because it's closer to zero on the number line.

Q: How can I remember which negative number is bigger?

Use the number line trick: whichever negative number is closer to zero (farther right) is the larger number. So -1 is bigger than -3 because -1 is closer to 0.

Q: What does the < symbol mean exactly?

The symbol \( means "less than". So \( E asks if E's value is less than C's value. Since -1 is NOT less than -3, the statement is False.

Q: Can I just ignore the negative signs?

Never ignore negative signs! They completely change the value. Always consider the full number including its sign when comparing on a number line.

Q: How do I read positions on a number line quickly?

Start by finding the numbers below the line first, then match them to the letters above. E is above -1 and C is above -3, so you can compare -1 and -3 directly.

Integer Comparison with Negative Values

True of False?

$E < C$

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

True of False?

$E < C$

Step-by-step solution

Let's locate the letters on the number line and see which numbers represent them:

$E=-1$

$C=-3$

Let's plot and observe that:

$-1 < -3$

Therefore, the expression is incorrect.

Final Answer

False

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Number Line Rule: Numbers increase in value from left to right
Position Technique: E is at -1, C is at -3, so -1 > -3
Verification: Check positions visually: E is right of C, so E > C ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Thinking larger negative numbers are greater
Don't assume -3 > -1 because 3 > 1 = wrong comparison! This ignores the negative signs completely. Always remember that negative numbers get smaller as they move away from zero.

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 -1 greater than -3 when 1 is less than 3?

Great question! With negative numbers, the rules flip. Think of it like temperature: -1°F is warmer (greater) than -3°F because it's closer to zero on the number line.

How can I remember which negative number is bigger?

Use the number line trick: whichever negative number is closer to zero (farther right) is the larger number. So -1 is bigger than -3 because -1 is closer to 0.

What does the < symbol mean exactly?

The symbol $<$ means "less than". So $E < C$ asks if E's value is less than C's value. Since -1 is NOT less than -3, the statement is False.

Can I just ignore the negative signs?

Never ignore negative signs! They completely change the value. Always consider the full number including its sign when comparing on a number line.

How do I read positions on a number line quickly?

Start by finding the numbers below the line first, then match them to the letters above. E is above -1 and C is above -3, so you can compare -1 and -3 directly.

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