Ordering Integers

In ordering integers we will learn how to order the integers on a number line.

All integers can be represented on a number line. The convention followed to compare two integers represented on the number line is similar to that followed for the whole numbers marked on the number line. So the integer occurring on the right is greater than that on the left and the integer on the left is smaller than that on its right.

An integer on a number line is always greater than every integer on its left. Thus, 3 is greater than 2, 2 > 1, 1 > 0, 0 > -1, -1 > -2 and so on.

Similarly, an integer on a number line is always lesser than every integer on its right. Thus, -3 is less than -2, -2 < -1, -1 < 0, 0 < 1, 1 < 2 and so on.

Thus, we have the following examples:

(i) 3 > 2, since 3 is to the right of 2

(ii) 2 > 0, since 2 is to the right of 0

(iii) 0 > -2, since 0 is to the right of -2

(iv) -1 > -2, since -1 is to the right of -2

Integers obey the same Rule of Whole Numbers in their Ordering:

Rule I: Every positive integer is greater than every negative integer.

i.e., Since every positive integer is to the right of every negative integer, therefore, every positive integer is greater than every negative integer.

Rule II: Zero is less than every positive integer and is greater than every negative integer.

i.e., Since zero is to the left of every positive integer, therefore, zero is smaller than every positive integer.

Again, since zero is to the right of every negative integer, therefore, zero is greater than every negative integer.

Rule III: The greater the number, the lesser is its opposite.

i.e., The farther a number is from zero on its right, the larger is its value

For Example:

8 is greater than 5, but -8 is less than -5; similarly, -9 > -15 or, 9 < 15 and so on

Rule IV: The lesser the number, the greater is its opposite.

i.e., The farther a number is from zero on its left, the smaller is its value.

For Example:

6 is less than 7, but -6 is greater than -7; similarly, -8 < -5 or 8 > 5 and so on.

Rule V: The greater a number is the smaller is its opposite.

In general, if x and y are two integers such that

x > y, then -x < - y , and if x < y, then -x > - y

For Example:

(i) 6 > 4 and -6 < -4

(ii) 18 > 13 and -18 < -13.

Note: The symbol (-) is used to denote a negative integer as well as for subtraction.

(i) The temperature at an Everest is -10°C. Here the symbol (-) indicates the negative integer (-10) and no subtraction is involved.

(ii) On the other hand, 23 - 7 indicates the subtraction of 7 from 23.

Solved examples on ordering integers:

1. Arrange the integers from greater to lesser:

(i) 9, -2, 3, 0, -5, -7, 7, -1

(ii) -11, 17, -2, 2, -6, -15, 0, 1

(iii) 12, -21, -18, 14, -5, -1, 1, 10

Solution:

1. (i) 9, 7, 3, 0, -1, -2, -5, -7

(ii) 17, 2, 1, 0, -2, -6, -11, -15

(iii) 14, 12, 10, 1, -1, -5, -18, -21

2. Arrange the following integers in decreasing order.

(i) -3, 12, 7, 0, -8, 6

(ii) 0, -9, -15, 15, 9, -6, - 18, 29

(iii) -25, 0, -1, 8, - 6, - 13, 24, 6

(iv) -706, 409, 170, 109, -75, -555

Solution:

2. (i) 12, 7, 6, 0, -3, -8

(ii) 29, 15, 9, 0, -6, -9, -15, -18

(iii) 24, 8, 6, 0, -1, -6, -13, -25

(iv) 409, 170, 109, -75, -555, -706

3. Arrange the integers from lesser to greater:

(i) 0, 4, -4, 9, -10, -7, 12, -13

(ii) -14, 7, -25, -17, 20, 5, -9, -3

(iii) -6, 4, -18, 21, 29, -8, -16, 19

Solution:

3. (i) -13, -10, -7, -4, 0, 4, 9, 12

(ii) -25, -17, -14, -9, -3, 5, 7, 20

(iii) -18, -16, -8, -6, 4, 19, 21, 29

4. Arrange the following integers in increasing order.

(i) -3, 8, 6, 0, -7, 10

(ii) -17, 0, 9, 6, 10, -5, 8, -7

(iii) 0, -8, 6, -19, 65, -3, 38

(iv) -805, 508, -170, 108, 170, -85, -515

Solution:

4. (i) -7, -3, 0, 6, 8, 10

(ii) -17, -7, -5, 0, 6, 8, 9, 10

(iii) -19, -8, -3, 0, 6, 38, 65

(iv) -805, -515, -170, -85, 108, 170, 508

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