Solving 5 < -5: Understanding Number Line Inequalities

Q: Why isn't 5 < -5 true if both numbers have the same absolute value?

Great question! Even though $ |5| = |-5| = 5 $, the negative sign makes -5 smaller. On a number line, -5 is to the left of 5, which means -5

Q: How do I remember which direction the inequality goes?

Think of the number line! Numbers get larger as you move right and smaller as you move left. Since 5 is to the right of -5, we have 5 > -5.

Q: Are there any cases where a negative number is greater than a positive number?

Never! Any positive number is always greater than any negative number. This is a fundamental rule: positive > 0 > negative.

Q: What if I see something like -2 compared to -8?

Both are negative, so use the number line! -2 is to the right of -8, making -2 > -8. The number closer to zero is always larger when both are negative.

Q: Does the size of the numbers matter when comparing positive and negative?

No! Even tiny positive numbers like $ 0.001 $ are greater than huge negative numbers like -1000. The sign determines the comparison: $ 0.001 > -1000 $.

Number Line Comparisons with Positive and Negative Numbers

$5 < -5$

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$5 < -5$

Step-by-step solution

As per the fact that there cannot be a situation where a negative number is greater than a positive number, the answer is incorrect.

Final Answer

Not true

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Positive numbers are always greater than negative numbers
Technique: Use number line position: 5 is right of -5, so 5 > -5
Check: Compare positions: -5 is left of 5 on the number line ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Confusing absolute value with actual value
Don't think that -5 > 5 because |-5| = 5! The negative sign makes -5 smaller than any positive number. Always remember that negative numbers are less than positive numbers, regardless of their absolute values.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 5 < -5 $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why isn't 5 < -5 true if both numbers have the same absolute value?

Great question! Even though $|5| = |-5| = 5$ , the negative sign makes -5 smaller. On a number line, -5 is to the left of 5, which means -5 < 5, not 5 < -5.

How do I remember which direction the inequality goes?

Think of the number line! Numbers get larger as you move right and smaller as you move left. Since 5 is to the right of -5, we have 5 > -5.

Are there any cases where a negative number is greater than a positive number?

Never! Any positive number is always greater than any negative number. This is a fundamental rule: positive > 0 > negative.

What if I see something like -2 compared to -8?

Both are negative, so use the number line! -2 is to the right of -8, making -2 > -8. The number closer to zero is always larger when both are negative.

Does the size of the numbers matter when comparing positive and negative?

No! Even tiny positive numbers like $0.001$ are greater than huge negative numbers like -1000. The sign determines the comparison: $0.001 > -1000$ .

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Signed Numbers (Positive and Negative) questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime