Teacher Notes (number sorts with positive and negative numbers is an introductory to
the lesson)
SOL 6.3
Objective: Students will identify and represent integers; order and compare integers; and
identify and describe absolute value of integers.
Vocabulary and Examples
Integers: Set of whole numbers, their opposites, and zero. An integer and its opposite
are the same distance from zero on a number line
EX: {…-3,-2,-1, 0, 1, 2, 3…} The opposite of -4 is 4 both are 4 spaces from zero
Positive Integers: Integers greater than zero
EX: {1, 2, 3, …}
Zero: An integer that is neither positive nor negative
EX: { 0 }
Negative Integers: Integers less than zero. Negative integers are always less than
positive integers
**When comparing two negative integers, the negative integer that is closer to zero is
greater**
EX: {…-4,-3,-2,-1} -4 is smaller than -1 because -4 is further from zero
Absolute Value: The absolute value of a number is the distance of a number from zero
on the number line regardless of direction. Absolute value is represent by the absolute
value bars
EX:
6  6
6 6
Comparing and Ordering Integers:
 On a conventional (horizontal) number line, when moving right numbers
increase when moving left numbers decrease

On a vertical number line when moving up numbers increase, when moving
down numbers decrease
Use mathematical symbols (<, >, =) to compare integers
Essential Questions:
What role do negative integers play in practical situations?
Some examples of the use of negative integers are found in temperature
(below 0), finance (owing money), below sea level. There are many other
examples: scoring for games
How does the absolute value of an integer compare to the absolute value of its opposite?
They are the same because an integer and its opposite are the same distance
from zero on a number line
Identify an integer represented by a point on a number line (number the
number line and plot points then ask students to identify the integers represented)
Represent the following integers on the number line below {-3, -1, 0, 2, 5}
Describe the absolute value of -6: