NCERT Exemplar Solutions
Class 6 - Mathematics - Unit 3: Integers - Problems and Solutions

Question 71

Key idea on the number line

• Draw a horizontal line.
• Mark (0) at the center.
• Numbers increase to the right.
• Numbers decrease to the left.

(a) Comparing two negative integers

1. For negatives, the one closer to (0) is greater.
2. Example: compare (-3) and (-5).
3. On the line: (-5) is to the left of (-3).
4. So (-3 > -5).

(b) Comparing two positive integers

1. The number to the right is greater.
2. Example: compare (4) and (1).
3. On the line: (4) is to the right of (1).
4. So (4 > 1).

(c) Comparing one positive and one negative integer

1. Every positive number is to the right of (0).
2. Every negative number is to the left of (0).
3. So any positive integer is greater than any negative integer.
4. Example: (2 > -7).

Summary

• Negatives: closer to (0) ⇒ greater.
• Positives: farther to the right ⇒ greater.
• Positive vs Negative: positive is always greater.