Number Line Inequality: Is C > E True When C = -3 and E = -1?

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

Great question! With negative numbers, think about temperature or debt. -3°F is colder than -1°F, and owing $3 is worse than owing $1. The negative sign changes everything!

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

Use the number line! Numbers get larger as you move right and smaller as you move left. Since -1 is to the right of -3, we know $ -1 > -3 $.

Q: What if I don't have a number line to look at?

Think about real-world examples: Temperature: -1° is warmer than -3°Money: losing $1 is better than losing $3Elevation: 1 foot below sea level is higher than 3 feet below

Q: Does this work for all negative numbers?

Yes! Any negative number closer to zero is always larger. For example: -0.5 > -2.7 > -10 > -100. The pattern never changes.

Q: How do I write the inequality correctly?

Always put the smaller number first when using $ -3 . Or put the larger number first when using >: \( -1 > -3 $.

Comparing Negative Numbers with Number Lines

True or false?

$C > E$

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Understand the problem

True or false?

$C > E$

Step-by-step solution

First, locate the letters on the number line and see which numbers they represent:

$C=-3$

$E=-1$

Next, write out their numerical values as an inequality:

$-3 > -1$

Therefore, the statement is false.

Final Answer

False

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Number Line Rule: Numbers farther right are always greater than numbers farther left
Technique: C = -3 is left of E = -1, so -3 < -1
Check: Verify position: -3 comes before -1 when counting up ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Thinking larger absolute values mean larger numbers with negatives
Don't think |-3| = 3 > |-1| = 1 means -3 > -1! This ignores the negative signs completely. Always remember: the more negative a number is, the smaller its value.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 5 < -5 $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

Great question! With negative numbers, think about temperature or debt. -3°F is colder than -1°F, and owing $3 is worse than owing $1. The negative sign changes everything!

How do I remember which negative number is bigger?

Use the number line! Numbers get larger as you move right and smaller as you move left. Since -1 is to the right of -3, we know $-1 > -3$ .

What if I don't have a number line to look at?

Think about real-world examples:

Temperature: -1° is warmer than -3°
Money: losing $1 is better than losing $3
Elevation: 1 foot below sea level is higher than 3 feet below

Does this work for all negative numbers?

Yes! Any negative number closer to zero is always larger. For example: -0.5 > -2.7 > -10 > -100. The pattern never changes.

How do I write the inequality correctly?

Always put the smaller number first when using <: $-3 < -1$ . Or put the larger number first when using >: $-1 > -3$ .

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