Question

Which number in each of the following pairs is smaller?

(i) 0, −4
(ii) −3, 13
(iii) 8, 13
(iv) −15, −27

Answer 1

(i) 0 is greater than every negative integer, so −4 < 0.
(ii) Every positive integer is greater than every negative integer; therefore, −3 < 12.
(iii) Because 8 is to the left of 13 on a number line, 8 < 13.
(iv) Because −27 is to the left of −15 on a number line, −27 < −15.