Positive Numbers

Learn what positive numbers are with simple explanations, examples, properties, and beginner-friendly sections.

1. Introduction to Positive Numbers

Positive numbers are the numbers that are greater than zero. They represent quantities we usually count in everyday life, such as number of objects, distance, time, and money.

Any number with no sign or with a plus sign (+) is a positive number.

2. Definition of Positive Numbers

Positive numbers are numbers greater than zero.

Examples include:

  • 1
  • 5
  • 12
  • 100
  • 2.5
  • 0.75

Zero is not a positive number.

3. Positive Numbers on a Number Line

On a number line, positive numbers appear to the right of zero.

Example:

0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...

3.1. Understanding Position

The farther right you go, the larger the number becomes.

  • 5 is greater than 3
  • 10 is greater than 7

3.2. Comparison Between Positive Numbers

When comparing positive numbers, the number with the greater value is the one farther to the right.

4. Types of Positive Numbers

Positive numbers include different types of numbers.

4.1. Positive Integers

These are whole numbers greater than zero: 1, 2, 3, 4...

4.2. Positive Fractions

These are parts of a whole, such as 1/2 or 3/4.

4.3. Positive Decimals

Decimals greater than zero, such as 0.5 or 2.75.

5. Why Do We Use Positive Numbers?

Positive numbers describe quantities that exist or increase.

5.1. Counting Objects

Positive numbers tell us how many items we have, like 3 apples or 10 books.

5.2. Money

A positive balance (e.g., ₹500) means you have money.

5.3. Distance and Measurement

Distances like 2 km or 5 meters are positive values.

6. Operations with Positive Numbers

Positive numbers follow the normal arithmetic rules.

6.1. Addition

Adding positive numbers increases the total.

Example: 4 + 3 = 7

6.2. Subtraction

Subtracting a smaller positive number gives a positive result.

Example: 10 − 3 = 7

6.3. Multiplication

Multiplying positive numbers always gives a positive result.

Example: 5 × 4 = 20

6.4. Division

Dividing a positive number by another positive number gives a positive result.

Example: 12 ÷ 3 = 4

7. Examples of Positive Numbers

  • 3
  • 7
  • 25
  • 1.5
  • 0.25
  • 1000

All these values are greater than zero.

8. Properties of Positive Numbers

Positive numbers have predictable behaviors in arithmetic.

8.1. Always Greater Than Zero

Every positive number is greater than zero.

8.2. No Upper Limit

Positive numbers extend to infinity.

8.3. Distance from Zero

The value tells how far the number is to the right of zero.

9. Difference Between Positive and Negative Numbers

Positive and negative numbers lie on opposite sides of the number line.

9.1. Comparison Table

Positive NumbersNegative Numbers
Greater than zeroLess than zero
Right of zeroLeft of zero
Examples: 3, 2.7, 50Examples: −3, −5, −0.5

10. Practice Questions

  1. Is 5 a positive number?
  2. Is 0.75 positive?
  3. Write three positive integers.
  4. Write two positive decimals.
  5. Is 0 a positive number?

11. Summary

Positive numbers are values greater than zero. They are used to count, measure, and describe real-life quantities such as time, distance, and money. Examples include whole numbers, fractions, and decimals that are greater than zero.