Understanding Negative Numbers
Learn how numbers below zero work on a number line and in real-world situations.
The red marker shows the position of -5 on the number line.
Key Facts About Negative Numbers
- Always less than zero
- Located to the left of zero
- Shown with a minus sign (-)
- Get smaller as you move left
Try These Examples
Real World Examples
- Temperature below zero (-10 degrees)
- Money owed (debt of -$50)
- Below sea level (-100 feet)
- Loss in business (-$200)
Practice with Intervals
Important Rules
- -1 is less than 0
- -2 is less than -1
- -10 is less than -5
- The more negative, the smaller