Number Line Inequality: Comparing Points A and B with Integer Scale -5 to 5

Q: Why is -4 greater than -5 when 4 is less than 5?

Think of negative numbers as debts! Having a debt of $4 is better than having a debt of $5. On the number line, -4 is closer to zero than -5, making it the larger value.

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

Use the number line! The number that appears further to the right is always greater. Since -4 is to the right of -5, we know $ -4 > -5 $.

Q: What if both numbers were positive instead?

If A was at 5 and B was at 4, then $ A > B $ because $ 5 > 4 $. With positive numbers, the usual rules apply!

Q: Can I use this method for any numbers on a number line?

Absolutely! Whether dealing with integers, fractions, or decimals, the rule stays the same: rightward positions represent greater values.

Q: What does the inequality B > A actually mean?

The inequality $ B > A $ means "B is greater than A" or "B has a larger value than A". Since B = -4 and A = -5, we're checking if $ -4 > -5 $, which is true!

Number Line Comparisons with Negative Integers

$B>A$

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$B>A$

Step-by-step solution

We first locate the numerical representation of the letter on the number line:

$B=-4$

$A=-5$

We compare their two values:

$-4 > -5$

It appears that the answer is indeed correct.

Final Answer

True

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: On number lines, values increase moving right from left
Technique: Point B at -4 is right of A at -5
Check: Compare positions: -4 is greater than -5 since -4 > -5 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Thinking larger negative numbers are greater
Don't assume -5 > -4 because 5 > 4 = wrong comparison! This ignores the negative signs completely. Always remember that -4 is closer to zero than -5, making -4 the larger value.

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 -4 greater than -5 when 4 is less than 5?

Think of negative numbers as debts! Having a debt of $4 is better than having a debt of$ 5. On the number line, -4 is closer to zero than -5, making it the larger value.

How do I remember which negative number is bigger?

Use the number line! The number that appears further to the right is always greater. Since -4 is to the right of -5, we know $-4 > -5$ .

What if both numbers were positive instead?

If A was at 5 and B was at 4, then $A > B$ because $5 > 4$ . With positive numbers, the usual rules apply!

Can I use this method for any numbers on a number line?

Absolutely! Whether dealing with integers, fractions, or decimals, the rule stays the same: rightward positions represent greater values.

What does the inequality B > A actually mean?

The inequality $B > A$ means "B is greater than A" or "B has a larger value than A". Since B = -4 and A = -5, we're checking if $-4 > -5$ , which is true!

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