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Math 6 · Mathematics
Numbers · Integers

Representing Integers on the Number Line

Marcus is playing a treasure-hunt game. The map says the treasure is exactly 5 steps from the flag at $-2$ on a straight trail. Which marker could the treasure be on? With a number line, clues like this become easy to see.

Placing and Comparing Integers

Integers are the whole numbers, their opposites, and zero: $\dots, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, \dots$ On a number line, zero is the origin. Positive integers go to its right and negative integers go to its left.

A number line with the origin at 0, negative integers to the left and positive integers to the right, from -2 to +2. ← negativepositive → −2−10+1+2 origin

Drag the point and watch how its position and sign change.

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Look at the following number line and identify which integer corresponds to each of the letters marked with a dot:

Look at the following number line and identify which integer corresponds to each of the letters marked with a dot:

0 1 C B A
Solve
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Draw a number line in your notebook and represent the following integers on it: $+4$, $-3$, $0$, $+1$ and $-5$. Use a distance of $1$ in. between each number.

Draw a number line in your notebook and represent the following integers on it: $+4$, $-3$, $0$, $+1$ and $-5$. Use a distance of $1$ in. between each number.

1 in −5 −3 0 +1 +4 −6 −4 −2 −1 +2 +3 +5 +6
Solve
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Remember that on the number line, the further to the right a number is, the larger it is. Based on this, use the symbols $>$ (greater than) or $<$ (less than) to compare…

Remember that on the number line, the further to the right a number is, the larger it is. Based on this, use the symbols $>$ (greater than) or $<$ (less than) to compare these pairs of numbers:

  1. a) $-4$ _____ $+2$
  2. b) $-1$ _____ $-5$
  3. c) $+3$ _____ $0$
  4. d) $-2$ _____ $+1$
Less Greater −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4 +5 +6
Solve

Opposites and Absolute Value

Two numbers that are the same distance from $0$ but on opposite sides are opposites. The opposite of $4$ is $-4$, and the opposite of $-4$ is $4$. The number $0$ is its own opposite.

A number line showing that -4 and +4 are opposites, each 4 units from zero. −40+4 4 units4 units

The absolute value of a number is its distance from $0$. We write it with bars: $|-4| = 4$ and $|4| = 4$. Some problems call this the modulus of a number. It means the same thing as absolute value.

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Indicate which integer is the opposite of the one represented by the orange dot on the line. Also represent that opposite on the same line.

Indicate which integer is the opposite of the one represented by the orange dot on the line. Also represent that opposite on the same line.

0 −5 5
Solve
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Write the integers whose modulus is equal to $3$. Then, represent them on a number line and explain what you observe regarding their position relative to zero.

Write the integers whose modulus is equal to $3$. Then, represent them on a number line and explain what you observe regarding their position relative to zero.

−4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 |-3| = 3 3 units |3| = 3 3 units
Solve
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Draw a number line and place the number $-3$ on it. Then, represent: Point $A$, which is the opposite of $-3$. Point $B$, which is $5$ units to the left of $-3$. Point…

Draw a number line and place the number $-3$ on it. Then, represent:

  • Point $A$, which is the opposite of $-3$.

  • Point $B$, which is $5$ units to the left of $-3$.

  • Point $C$, which is $2$ units to the right of $A$.

What number does point $C$ represent? Which is the smallest number of the four you have marked on the line?

Solve

Vertical Number Lines and Moving Along Them

Number lines don't have to be horizontal. A thermometer, an elevator, and sea level are all vertical number lines. Up is the positive direction (like right) and down is the negative direction (like left).

Suppose a scuba diver is at $-8$ ft (8 feet below sea level) and swims up $5$ ft. Count the steps up on the line.

A vertical number line with sea level at 0. A diver at -8 feet swims up 5 feet and ends at -3 feet. +4+20−2−4−6−8−10 sea level up 5 ft startend

Starting at $-8$ and moving $5$ up lands on $-3$. The diver is now 3 feet below sea level.

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On a thermometer, temperatures above zero are considered positive and below zero, negative. Represent the following temperatures from a winter week on the vertical line…

On a thermometer, temperatures above zero are considered positive and below zero, negative. Represent the following temperatures from a winter week on the vertical line of the thermometer: $-2 ^\circ C$, $+5 ^\circ C$ and $0 ^\circ C$.

Positive (+) Negative (-) 0°F
Solve
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A diver is at a depth of $-10$ feet (below sea level). If he ascends $4$ feet, in what position is he now? Represent this on a vertical number line where $0$ is sea…

A diver is at a depth of $-10$ feet (below sea level). If he ascends $4$ feet, in what position is he now? Represent this on a vertical number line where $0$ is sea level.

Sea level (0) 2 0 −2 −4 −6 −8 −10 −12 Initial position
Solve
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A thermal inspection drone makes the following movements on the vertical axis of an industrial chimney. If we consider the mouth of the chimney to be at point $0$ feet:…

A thermal inspection drone makes the following movements on the vertical axis of an industrial chimney. If we consider the mouth of the chimney to be at point $0$ feet:

  • It starts at a height of $+12$ ft.

  • It descends $15$ feet to check a crack.

  • It goes back up $6$ feet to take a reading.

Represent the route on a vertical line and mark the drone's final position with a highlighted colored dot. At what height is it relative to the mouth of the chimney?

Chimney mouth 0 ft Start +12 ft −3 ft
Solve

Reading a Scale

Sometimes the marks on a line don't count by $1$. Each mark might be worth $2$, $5$, or $10$. To read the line, find two marks you know, count the gaps between them (not the marks), and divide the difference by the number of gaps.

A number line with marks every 5 units from -20 to 20. Point Q is at -5 and point P is at +15. −20−1001020 QP each mark = 5 units

Here $0$ and $10$ are labeled, with $2$ gaps between them. So each gap is $10 \div 2 = 5$. Counting by $5$ from $0$: Point $P$ is three gaps right of $0$ to the $+15$ mark and point $Q$ is one gap left of $0$ at $-5$.

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Look at the line and write the missing integers in the empty boxes, knowing that the distance between each mark is $1$ unit.

Look at the line and write the missing integers in the empty boxes, knowing that the distance between each mark is $1$ unit.

+1 0 1
Solve
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Look at the following number line on which three points have been marked, $A$, $B$ and $C$. Taking into account the position of the number $0$ and $+2$, identify which…

Look at the following number line on which three points have been marked, $A$, $B$ and $C$. Taking into account the position of the number $0$ and $+2$, identify which integer each letter represents.

2 units 0 +2 A B C
Solve
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Identify which integers are represented by points $M$ and $N$ on this line, knowing that the distance between two consecutive marks is always the same.

Identify which integers are represented by points $M$ and $N$ on this line, knowing that the distance between two consecutive marks is always the same.

8 units −4 +4 M ? N ? d d d d
Solve

Choosing a Scale

When you draw your own number line, big numbers won't fit if every mark is worth $1$. Pick a scale that fits the whole list, and label it.

A number line from -30 to 50 with marks every 10 units. Points are plotted at -30, -10, 0, and +45. −30−20−1001020304050 +45 scale: 1 mark = 10 units
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Represent the following integers on a number line. Choose a suitable scale (where each mark on the line can be worth more than 1 unit) so that they all fit in your…

Represent the following integers on a number line. Choose a suitable scale (where each mark on the line can be worth more than 1 unit) so that they all fit in your drawing:

$S = \{ -15, +5, -20, +25, 0, -5 \}$

Solve
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A historian is creating a digital timeline. He defines the year $0$ as the moment of a great discovery. Civilization Alfa* emerged in the year $-450$ and lasted $300$…

A historian is creating a digital timeline. He defines the year $0$ as the moment of a great discovery.

  • Civilization Alfa emerged in the year $-450$ and lasted $300$ years.

  • Civilization Beta began just as Alfa ended and lasted twice as long.

  • Civilization Gamma is situated on the line so that its starting year is the midpoint between the start of Alfa and the end of Beta.

Represent the start and end points of each civilization on a number line (using a suitable scale, for example, 1 unit = 100 years). In what year did civilization Gamma begin?

−500 −400 −300 −200 −100 100 200 300 400 500 0
Solve

Distance and Midpoint

The distance between two integers is the number of steps from one to the other. There are two cases.

A number line showing the distance of 15 units between -6 and +9, split into 6 units to zero and 9 units beyond. distance = 15 −60+9 69

The midpoint is the point exactly halfway between two numbers, the same distance from both.

A number line showing that -2 is the midpoint between -6 and +2, 4 units from each. midpoint = −2 −6−20+2 44
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On the number line, the midpoint between two integers is the place that is exactly the same distance from both. Represent the numbers $-6$ and $+2$. Visually find the…

On the number line, the midpoint between two integers is the place that is exactly the same distance from both.

  • Represent the numbers $-6$ and $+2$.

  • Visually find the midpoint between them and state what number it represents.

  • What is the distance (in units) from that midpoint to either of the two ends?

Solve
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Three scientists are studying an underwater volcano. Their positions relative to sea level ($0$ ft) are: Researcher A: Is in a submarine at $-450$ feet. Researcher B: Is…

Three scientists are studying an underwater volcano. Their positions relative to sea level ($0$ ft) are:

  • Researcher A: Is in a submarine at $-450$ feet.

  • Researcher B: Is at the top of the volcano, at $+150$ feet above sea level.

  • Researcher C: Is on a boat at $0$ feet.

Represent these three positions on a vertical line. If researcher A wants to go up to researcher B's position, how many feet must he ascend in total? Explain how you see this on the line.

Solve
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Two cities, Villafría* and Villacalor*, are connected by a straight road that we imagine as a number line. Villafría* is at point $-15$ and Villacalor* is at point…

Two cities, Villafría and Villacalor, are connected by a straight road that we imagine as a number line. Villafría is at point $-15$ and Villacalor is at point $+21$.

A cell tower is to be installed at a point $M$ that is exactly the same distance from both cities.

  1. What integer represents the position of the cell tower $M$?

  2. If a car leaves Villafría towards the cell tower and breaks down when it has traveled $\frac{1}{3}$ of the total distance between the city and the cell tower, at what number on the line has it stopped?

Solve

Points That Match a Clue

Many problems give clues about a distance or an absolute value instead of the number itself. Draw a number line and mark the points that fit.

A number line showing the two points that are 3 units from -1: the points -4 and +2. −6−4−20246 −1 33

Back to the treasure: the treasure is 5 steps from $-2$, so it is at $-2 + 5 = +3$ or $-2 - 5 = -7$. Two spots are possible. A second clue, like "$|x| > 4$", would rule out $+3$ and leave only $-7$.

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Draw a number line and represent on it all the integers $x$ that simultaneously satisfy these two conditions: 1. Their modulus is less than $5$, that is: $|x| < 5$. 2.…

Draw a number line and represent on it all the integers $x$ that simultaneously satisfy these two conditions:

  1. Their modulus is less than $5$, that is: $|x| < 5$.

  2. They are numbers strictly less than $-1$.

Solve
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An explorer is looking for a buried treasure on a straight path that we represent as a number line. The map gives him the following clues: 1. The treasure is in a…

An explorer is looking for a buried treasure on a straight path that we represent as a number line. The map gives him the following clues:

  1. The treasure is in a position represented by an integer $x$.

  2. The distance between $x$ and the number $-2$ is exactly $5$ units.

  3. The absolute value of $x$ is greater than $4$.

Represent the possible locations of the treasure on the number line and determine at which exact number or numbers it could be found.

−9 −8 −6 −5 −4 −3 −1 0 1 2 4 5 x = −2 Origin
Solve
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In a video game, a character moves along a line of squares numbered with integers. The player must place "traps" on all integers $n$ that simultaneously satisfy these…

In a video game, a character moves along a line of squares numbered with integers. The player must place "traps" on all integers $n$ that simultaneously satisfy these two conditions:

  • The modulus of the number is less than or equal to $6$: $|n| \le 6$.

  • The distance between the number $n$ and the number $-3$ is greater than $4$ units.

Draw a number line and mark with an orange "X" all the positions where the player must place a trap. How many traps are there in total?

Solve

Putting Several Clues Together

Hard problems chain clues. Here is a plan that always works:

  1. Turn each clue into a point or a list of points, and mark them on the line.

  2. Use earlier points to find later ones.

  3. Check every clue at the end, then answer the exact question.

A number line with point B at -3, point C at +1, and point A at +5. −6−4−20246 BCA
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We are designing a special thermometer for a physics experiment. We must mark four critical points: $A$, $B$, $C$ and $D$, which satisfy these conditions: $A$ is the…

We are designing a special thermometer for a physics experiment. We must mark four critical points: $A$, $B$, $C$ and $D$, which satisfy these conditions:

  • $A$ is the opposite of $+3$.

  • $B$ has an absolute value of $5$ and is to the left of $A$.

  • $C$ is an integer such that $-1 < C < 4$ and its distance to $A$ is the same as its distance to $D$.

  • $D$ is the largest possible integer that is less than $+6$.

Represent the four points on the same number line and order them from smallest to largest absolute value.

−6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 +3 |-5| = 5 < +6
Solve
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Consider three integers $a, b$ and $c$ located on the number line of which we know the following: $a$ is the opposite of the modulus of $-8$. $c$ is a number such that…

Consider three integers $a, b$ and $c$ located on the number line of which we know the following:

  • $a$ is the opposite of the modulus of $-8$.

  • $c$ is a number such that its distance to $0$ is half the distance from $a$ to $0$, and $c$ is positive.

  • $b$ is a number that is the same distance from $a$ as it is from $c$.

Draw the line, place the three points and calculate the value of the following expression using their positions:

$$|a| + |b| - |c|$$
Solve
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Imagine that the number line is a taut rope. We tie a weight at the number $0$ and another at the number $-12$. 1. Find the position of a point $P$ (an integer) that is…

Imagine that the number line is a taut rope. We tie a weight at the number $0$ and another at the number $-12$.

  1. Find the position of a point $P$ (an integer) that is at a distance of $4$ units from point $-6$. How many solutions are there?

  2. If we now look for a point $Q$ that satisfies that its distance to $+2$ is twice its distance to $-1$, what integers could $Q$ be? Identify them and mark them on the number line.

Solve

Summary

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