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Math 7 · Mathematics
Numbers · Integers

"Integers: Opposites, Absolute Value, and Order"

Before you start, make sure you know: Concept (Math 6)
Before you start, make sure you know: Representation on the number line (Math 6)

Your weather app says it is $-3$ °F outside. You owe a friend $\$12$ for pizza. The mall elevator just dropped you to basement level $-2$. Which of these three situations is the "lowest"? To answer, you need to compare integers, and that is what this page is about.

Integers and the number line

Diagram showing that the whole numbers 0, 1, 2, 3 and so on are inside the larger set of integers, which also includes the negative integers. Integers Negative integers −1, −2, −3, … Whole numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, …

Integers describe opposite situations measured from a zero point:

Situation Integer
40 ft above sea level $+40$
40 ft below sea level $-40$
A deposit of $\$25$ $+25$
A debt of $\$25$ $-25$
8 degrees above zero $+8$
8 degrees below zero $-8$

On a number line, the integers are evenly spaced. Positive numbers go to the right of $0$, negative numbers to the left. Always check the scale: if each tick mark is worth $2$ units, the third tick to the right of $0$ is $+6$, not $+3$.

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In everyday life, we use integers to express opposite situations with respect to a reference point or "zero point". Match each of the following statements with the…

In everyday life, we use integers to express opposite situations with respect to a reference point or "zero point". Match each of the following statements with the integer (positive or negative) that best represents it:

  • a) A diver is at a depth of $15$ feet below sea level.

  • b) A hiker has climbed to the top of a mountain $2300$ feet high.

  • c) The balance on your public transit card is $4$ dollars in debt.

  • d) An airplane flies at an altitude of $9500$ feet.

  • e) The temperature at a ski resort is $7$ degrees below zero.

+ - Airplane Hiker Diver 0 REFERENCE POINT (Sea level, zero balance, 0 °F) POSITIVE NUMBERS (+) • ? • ? • ? NEGATIVE NUMBERS (-) • ? • ? • ?
Solve
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Look at the following number line where several points have been marked with letters. Indicate which integer corresponds to each of the letters represented: Considering…

Look at the following number line where several points have been marked with letters. Indicate which integer corresponds to each of the letters represented:

0 A B C D

Considering that the distance between two consecutive small marks is $1$ unit, determine the values of $A$, $B$, $C$ and $D$.

Solve
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An underwater archaeology team is exploring the remains of an ancient galleon. They use a submersible drone to document the discovery. Express the following situations…

An underwater archaeology team is exploring the remains of an ancient galleon. They use a submersible drone to document the discovery. Express the following situations with integers:

  1. a) The mother ship is on the surface of the sea.
  2. b) The galleon is resting on the seabed, at a depth of $45$ feet.
  3. c) The drone descends from the surface to a crevice located $12$ feet below the galleon.
  4. d) After exploring the crevice, the drone goes up $25$ feet to photograph the ship's mast.

Represent these four positions on a graduated vertical line where the origin is sea level.

Solve

Opposites and absolute value

Two ideas hide in the picture below. The numbers $-7$ and $7$ are opposites, and each is $7$ units from $0$. That distance is the absolute value.

Number line showing that negative 7 and positive 7 are each 7 units from zero, so they are opposites with the same absolute value. |−7| = |7| = 7 7 units 7 units −707 opposites: same distance from 0

Some problems use older, non-US wording: "modulus" for absolute value and op$(a)$ for "the opposite of $a$" (so op$(+7) = -7$). On this page we write $|a|$ and $-a$.

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The modulus of an integer is the distance that separates it from zero on the number line, without taking its direction into account. Calculate the following moduli: a)…

The modulus of an integer is the distance that separates it from zero on the number line, without taking its direction into account. Calculate the following moduli:

  • a) $|-8| =$

  • b) $|+12| =$

  • c) $|-35| =$

  • d) $|0| =$

  • e) $|+7| =$

Solve
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Two integers are opposites if they are at the same distance from zero but on different sides of the number line. Write the opposite of each of the following numbers and…

Two integers are opposites if they are at the same distance from zero but on different sides of the number line. Write the opposite of each of the following numbers and represent them in pairs on a small number line:

  • a) $+5$

  • b) $-3$

  • c) $-1$

  • d) $+4$

−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4 +5 4 units 4 units Same distance
Solve

Comparing and ordering integers

Number line with negative 9, negative 6, 0 and 2 marked, showing the order from least to greatest. lessgreater −9−602 −9 < −6 < 0 < 2
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In a city in the northern United States, the following minimum temperatures were recorded during the first week of January: Monday: $-4$ ºF Tuesday: $-7$ ºF Wednesday:…

In a city in the northern United States, the following minimum temperatures were recorded during the first week of January:

  • Monday: $-4$ ºF

  • Tuesday: $-7$ ºF

  • Wednesday: $0$ ºF

  • Thursday: $+2$ ºF

  • Friday: $-1$ ºF

  • Saturday: $+3$ ºF

  • Sunday: $-5$ ºF

Order these days from coldest to warmest (that is, from lowest to highest temperature) using the symbol $<$ between the values.

Solve
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Compare the following pairs of integers using the signs $>$ (greater than) or $<$ (less than): a) $-10 \quad \square \quad -2$ b) $+5 \quad \square \quad -8$ c)…

Compare the following pairs of integers using the signs $>$ (greater than) or $<$ (less than):

  • a) $-10 \quad \square \quad -2$

  • b) $+5 \quad \square \quad -8$

  • c) $-1 \quad \square \quad 0$

  • d) $-15 \quad \square \quad -20$

  • e) $|-12| \quad \square \quad +10$

Hint: Remember that for negative numbers, the one closer to zero is greater.

Solve
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Order the following values from smallest to largest using the symbols $<$ or $>$. We recommend calculating the numerical value of each expression first: $A = |−12|$…

Order the following values from smallest to largest using the symbols $<$ or $>$. We recommend calculating the numerical value of each expression first:

$A = |−12|$

$B = op(+7)$

$C = −|−5|$

$D = op(−2)$

$E = −10$

$F = |op(−4)|$

Solve

Points in the coordinate plane

Integers also locate points on a grid. The horizontal number line is the x-axis, the vertical one is the y-axis, and they cross at the origin $(0, 0)$. A point is written as an ordered pair $(x, y)$: first move along $x$ (right if positive, left if negative), then along $y$ (up if positive, down if negative).

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On a set of Cartesian coordinate axes, we have drawn three vertices of a rectangle: $A(−3, 2)$, $B(4, 2)$ and $C(4, −1)$. a) Represent the points on the plane. b)…

On a set of Cartesian coordinate axes, we have drawn three vertices of a rectangle: $A(−3, 2)$, $B(4, 2)$ and $C(4, −1)$.

  1. a) Represent the points on the plane.
  2. b) Determine the coordinates of the fourth vertex $D$ to complete the rectangle.
  3. c) Which quadrant is each of the vertices in?
  4. d) Calculate the perimeter of the rectangle by counting the grid units.
I II III IV x y 0 1 1 ? u ? u A(−3, 2) B(4, 2) C(4, −1) D(?, ?)
Solve
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In a strategy video game, the coordinates of your base are $A(-3, 4)$. You must place an outpost at a point $B$ that satisfies the following conditions: 1. Its…

In a strategy video game, the coordinates of your base are $A(-3, 4)$. You must place an outpost at a point $B$ that satisfies the following conditions:

  1. Its x-coordinate ($x$-coordinate) is the opposite of the x-coordinate of $A$.

  2. Its y-coordinate ($y$-coordinate) is an integer such that its modulus is $2$, but point $B$ must be in a different quadrant from $A$ and cannot be on the x-axis.

Represent both points on the Cartesian plane and indicate which quadrant each one is in. What is the horizontal and vertical displacement needed to go from $A$ to $B$?

QUADRANT II QUADRANT I QUADRANT III QUADRANT IV x y 0 −3 3 4 2 −2 A(−3, 4) BASE B(3, −2) OUTPOST
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Distance and movement on the number line

Vertical number line with sea level at 0, a drone at plus 20 feet and a submarine at minus 15 feet, and the distance between them of 35 feet. 20100−10−20 Drone: +20 ftSea levelSub: −15 ft distance:20 + 15 = 35 ft

To find the distance between two integers, count the units between them on the number line.

Moving. Starting at a position, going up or right adds a positive number, and going down or left adds a negative number. A drone at $+20$ ft that descends $35$ ft ends at $20 - 35 = -15$ ft.

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An elevator in a very large shopping mall has floors above and below ground. If we consider the ground floor (street level) as the number $0$: a) Which floor do we reach…

An elevator in a very large shopping mall has floors above and below ground. If we consider the ground floor (street level) as the number $0$:

  • a) Which floor do we reach if we are in basement $-3$ and we go up $5$ floors?

  • b) Which floor do we reach if we are on floor $+2$ and we go down $4$ floors?

  • c) If we are in basement $-2$ and we want to go up to floor $+4$, how many floors must we go up?

Street +5 +4 +3 +2 +1 0 −1 −2 −3 −4 a) ? b) ? c) ?
Solve
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On a scientific expedition, a drone flies over a volcano at an altitude of $+125$ feet above sea level, while a robotic probe is exploring the bottom of a nearby lake at…

On a scientific expedition, a drone flies over a volcano at an altitude of $+125$ feet above sea level, while a robotic probe is exploring the bottom of a nearby lake at a depth of $-84$ feet.

  1. a) Represent both positions on a vertical number line, placing sea level at the origin.
  2. b) Calculate the total distance, in modulus, that separates the drone from the probe.
  3. c) If the probe ascends $30$ feet, what will its new position be? Express it as an integer.
150 100 50 −50 −100 −150 0 (Sea level) Total distance |+125| + |-84| = ? ft +125 Drone −84 Probe +30 ? New pos.
Solve
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Look at the following number line where three points, $X$, $Y$ and $Z$, have been marked. If each division on the line represents $2$ units: a) Write the coordinates of…

Look at the following number line where three points, $X$, $Y$ and $Z$, have been marked.

0 X Y Z

If each division on the line represents $2$ units:

  1. a) Write the coordinates of points $X$, $Y$ and $Z$.
  2. b) Calculate the distance between point $X$ and point $Z$.
  3. c) Write the opposite of $X$ and represent it on the line.
Solve

Adding integers

Think of positive numbers as gains and negative numbers as losses. Adding is combining gains and losses.

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Complete the following magic pyramid of integers. The rule is very simple: the value of each box is the sum of the two numbers directly below it.

Complete the following magic pyramid of integers. The rule is very simple: the value of each box is the sum of the two numbers directly below it.

+ + + −8 −7 +12 −15 ? ?
Solve
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A platform video game scores a character's movements on a horizontal line. For each gold coin collected, the character advances $+5$ positions. For each obstacle hit,…

A platform video game scores a character's movements on a horizontal line.

  • For each gold coin collected, the character advances $+5$ positions.

  • For each obstacle hit, the character moves back $op(+3)$ positions.

  • If they fall into a trap, they are placed at position $-|−10|$.

Calculate the character's final position if:

  1. They start at the origin ($0$).

  2. They collect $4$ gold coins.

  3. They hit $2$ obstacles.

  4. They fall into a trap.

  5. Finally, they advance $8$ more positions.

Solve
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A content creator analyzes the evolution of their subscribers over a week. On Monday, they started with a base figure. The daily changes were recorded as follows:…

A content creator analyzes the evolution of their subscribers over a week. On Monday, they started with a base figure. The daily changes were recorded as follows: Tuesday ($+150$), Wednesday (double the loss of Thursday), Thursday ($-200$), Friday (an increase equal to the modulus of Thursday's loss) and Saturday (a drop that left the total weekly balance at exactly $0$ compared to Monday).

Calculate the integer that represents Wednesday's variation and the integer that represents Saturday's variation. Represent the variations for each day on a number line, placing $0$ as the initial state on Monday.

−500 −400 −300 −200 −100 0 100 200 Monday (Start) / Saturday (End) Tuesday (+150) Wednesday (−400) Thursday (−200) Friday (+200) Saturday (+250)
Solve

Multi-step problems

Longer problems combine everything: opposites, absolute value, adding, and distance. The method is always the same: translate each sentence into one integer calculation, do them in order, and keep track of the current position.

Subtracting. Subtracting a number is the same as adding its opposite: $a - b = a + (-b)$. For instance, $-6 - 4 = -6 + (-4) = -10$.

A word of warning about "distance". The distance traveled adds up every leg of the trip. The distance between the start and the end is just the gap between those two points.

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An underwater reconnaissance drone sets off from a platform located at $15$ feet above sea level ($+15$ ft). It makes the following consecutive movements: It descends…

An underwater reconnaissance drone sets off from a platform located at $15$ feet above sea level ($+15$ ft). It makes the following consecutive movements:

  • It descends $28$ feet to take samples.

  • It ascends a distance equal to half the modulus of its current position.

  • Finally, it goes down to an abyssal zone located at $-120$ feet.

Determine the integer that represents the drone's position after the second movement and calculate the total distance traveled by the drone during the three movements.

Sea level (0 ft) +15 ft 0 ft −100 ft −110 ft −120 ft Total distance: D = |d₁| + |d₂| + |d₃| Platform (Start) d₁ = −28 ft
Solve
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Consider two integers $a$ and $b$ about which we know the following: The modulus of $a$ is $12$. The opposite of $b$ is $-15$. The distance between $a$ and $b$ on the…

Consider two integers $a$ and $b$ about which we know the following:

  • The modulus of $a$ is $12$.

  • The opposite of $b$ is $-15$.

  • The distance between $a$ and $b$ on the number line is the smallest possible.

From this data:

  1. a) Identify the values of $a$ and $b$.
  2. b) What is the largest integer $k$ such that $a < k < b$?
  3. c) If we multiply $a$ by a negative number, will the result be greater or less than $b$? Justify your answer.
Solve
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In a cryogenic laboratory, a sample is at $-18$ °F. The control system allows two types of adjustments to be made: Adjustment A: Add $-5$ °F to the current temperature.…

In a cryogenic laboratory, a sample is at $-18$ °F. The control system allows two types of adjustments to be made:

  • Adjustment A: Add $-5$ °F to the current temperature.

  • Adjustment B: Change the temperature to its opposite and then subtract $10$ °F.

If we apply Adjustment B first and then Adjustment A, what will the final temperature be? Would the result be the same if we applied Adjustment A first and then Adjustment B? Justify your answer by carrying out both calculations step by step.

−30 −20 −10 0 10 20 Route 1: B → A Route 2: A → B Adjustment B: Opposite - 10 Adjustment A: - 5 Adjustment A: - 5 Adjustment B: Opposite - 10 −18 8 3 −23 13
Solve

Conditions on integers

Sometimes you must list all the integers that satisfy several conditions at once. Turn each condition into a range, then keep only the numbers that pass every test.

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Write all the integers $x$ that satisfy the following conditions at the same time: 1. Their modulus is less than $6$ ($|x| < 6$). 2. They are numbers less than $2$ (…

Write all the integers $x$ that satisfy the following conditions at the same time:

  1. Their modulus is less than $6$ ($|x| < 6$).

  2. They are numbers less than $2$ ($x < 2$).

  3. They are numbers greater than or equal to $-3$ ($x \geq -3$).

Represent them on a number line.

Solve
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Find all the integers $x$ that simultaneously satisfy the following three conditions: 1. Their modulus is less than $10$, that is: $|x| < 10$. 2. It is a number strictly…

Find all the integers $x$ that simultaneously satisfy the following three conditions:

  1. Their modulus is less than $10$, that is: $|x| < 10$.

  2. It is a number strictly less than its opposite: $x < Op(x)$.

  3. When adding $-3$ to it, the result is a number whose modulus is greater than $5$.

List the numbers obtained and represent them on the number line.

Solve
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You have three consecutive integers whose sum is a negative number. If the modulus of the middle number is $0$: a) What are those three numbers? b) Order the moduli of…

You have three consecutive integers whose sum is a negative number. If the modulus of the middle number is $0$:

  1. a) What are those three numbers?
  2. b) Order the moduli of these numbers from smallest to largest.
  3. c) What happens to the sign of the sum if we choose the three "largest" consecutive integers (furthest to the right on the number line) that are still all negative?
Solve

True or false? Counterexamples

To decide whether a statement about integers is always true, test it with three kinds of numbers: positive, negative, and zero. One example that breaks the statement, a counterexample, is enough to prove it false. Examples that work do not prove a statement true.

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Indicate whether the following statements are true or false. If false, give an example (counterexample) to prove it: a) The modulus of a number is always greater than…

Indicate whether the following statements are true or false. If false, give an example (counterexample) to prove it:

  1. a) The modulus of a number is always greater than the number itself.
  2. b) If two numbers are negative, the one with the smaller modulus is greater.
  3. c) The opposite of an integer is always a negative number.
  4. d) The distance between a number and its opposite is always double its modulus.
Solve
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Analyze the following statements and determine whether they are true or false, providing a counterexample for those you consider false: 1. If $|a| > |b|$, then it is…

Analyze the following statements and determine whether they are true or false, providing a counterexample for those you consider false:

  1. If $|a| > |b|$, then it is always true that $a > b$.

  2. The modulus of the sum of two integers is always equal to the sum of their moduli: $|a + b| = |a| + |b|$.

  3. If $n$ is a negative integer, then its opposite $Op(n)$ is always greater than $n$.

  4. The distance between two opposite numbers is always double the modulus of one of them.

Solve

Back to the start: The debt is $-12$, the temperature is $-3$, and the basement is $-2$. Ordered from least to greatest: $-12 < -3 < -2$. The debt is the "lowest" of the three.

Summary

See all the exercises in this section