Number Line Problem: Determine the Comparison Operator Between C and 1

Q: How do I know which direction is greater on a number line?

Think of it like a thermometer! As you move right, numbers get bigger (warmer). As you move left, numbers get smaller (colder). So -3 is to the left of 1, making it smaller.

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

The negative sign changes everything! Negative numbers are always smaller than positive numbers. Think of owing money: having -3 dollars means you owe money, while having 1 dollar means you have money.

Q: What if both numbers were negative?

When comparing two negative numbers, the one closer to zero is actually larger. For example: -1 > -3 because -1 is closer to zero than -3.

Q: How can I double-check my comparison?

Use the number line! The number that appears further to the right is always the larger number. You can also think about real situations like temperature or money.

Q: What does the < symbol mean exactly?

The symbol \( means 'less than.' The small end points to the smaller number, and the big end points to the larger number. So C

Number Line Comparison with Negative Integers

Fill in the missing sign (?):

$C?1$

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Step-by-step video solution

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Step-by-step written solution

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Understand the problem

Fill in the missing sign (?):

$C?1$

Step-by-step solution

First, locate the letter on the number line and see which number it represents:

$C=-3$

After locating the numbers, we can determine:

$-3<1$

Final Answer

$<$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Location Rule: Find point C on the number line first
Reading Technique: Point C is at -3, which is left of 1
Verification: Check that -3 < 1 makes sense: negative < positive ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Confusing left and right directions on number line
Don't think that being further left means greater value = wrong comparison! Numbers get smaller as you move left on a number line. Always remember: left means smaller, right means greater.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 5 < -5 $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know which direction is greater on a number line?

Think of it like a thermometer! As you move right, numbers get bigger (warmer). As you move left, numbers get smaller (colder). So -3 is to the left of 1, making it smaller.

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

The negative sign changes everything! Negative numbers are always smaller than positive numbers. Think of owing money: having -3 dollars means you owe money, while having 1 dollar means you have money.

What if both numbers were negative?

When comparing two negative numbers, the one closer to zero is actually larger. For example: -1 > -3 because -1 is closer to zero than -3.

How can I double-check my comparison?

Use the number line! The number that appears further to the right is always the larger number. You can also think about real situations like temperature or money.

What does the < symbol mean exactly?

The symbol $<$ means 'less than.' The small end points to the smaller number, and the big end points to the larger number. So C < 1 means 'C is less than 1.'

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