On a number line, values increase from left to right. A negative number closer to zero is greater. Compare fractions using a common denominator, or use enough decimal places to determine their order. Example -2.5<-2<0<1.5. Also - 34=-0.75<-0.7, because -0.75 lies further left. a<b means strictly less; a <= b allows equality. Similarly, a>b means strictly greater and a >= b allows equality. For instance, -2 <= -2 is true, but -2<-2 is false.

On a number line, values increase from left to right. A negative number closer to zero is greater. Compare fractions using a common denominator, or use enough decimal places to determine their order.

\(-2.5<-2<0<1.5\). Also \(-\dfrac34=-0.75<-0.7\), because \(-0.75\) lies further left.

\(a<b\) means strictly less; \(a\le b\) allows equality. Similarly, \(a>b\) means strictly greater and \(a\ge b\) allows equality. For instance, \(-2\le-2\) is true, but \(-2<-2\) is false.

Ordering numbers on a number line

Ordering numbers on a number line