Integers

Integers: Positive and Negative Numbers Explained

Now that you’ve learned about whole numbers, it’s time to level up just a little by learning about integers.

Integers are all around us, especially when things go below zero, lose points, or deal with money and temperatures. You might already use integers every day—you just didn’t know they had a fancy name!

Let’s break it down together.

What Are Integers?

Integers are numbers that include:

Positive numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, 5…)
Zero (0)
Negative numbers (-1, -2, -3, -4…)

✅ Examples of Integers:…, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, …

📌 Integers are whole numbers plus their negative versions.

Where Do You Use Integers in Real Life?

Integers help us understand changes, gains, and losses.
Here are some everyday situations where we use them:

🌡️ Temperature: “It’s -10°C today.”
💰 Banking: “I overdrafted my account by $25.” → -25
🛗 Elevators: Basement floors are labeled -1, -2…
🏈 Sports: “We lost 5 points.” → -5

The more you move left, the smaller the number.

The more you move right, the greater the number.

Word Problems

1. The temperature was -4°C this morning. By afternoon, it increased by 7 degrees.
What’s the temperature now?
✅ -4 + 7 = 3°C

2. You had $10 but spent $15. What’s your balance?
✅ 10 - 15 = -5 dollars

🧩 Integer Tips:

Negative numbers are smaller than zero.
When subtracting a negative number, it’s like adding: 3 - (-2) = 5
When in doubt, use a number line!

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse