Definition: An integer is any whole number or its opposite, including positive whole numbers, negative whole numbers, and zero, but never fractions or decimals.
Which numbers are integers?
Integers are the numbers … -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3 …, continuing forever in both directions. Zero is an integer and is neither positive nor negative.
Which numbers are not integers?
Fractions and decimals that fall between whole numbers are not integers. So 4.5, -2/3, and 0.1 are not integers, but 6, -250, and 0 are.
Where do integers show up?
Integers describe quantities that can go above or below a starting point: temperatures, bank balances, elevations, and game scores. A temperature of -8 degrees Fahrenheit is 8 degrees below zero. Mathbot’s elevation in a cave at -120 feet is 120 feet below ground level.
How do you compare them?
On a horizontal number line, numbers increase from left to right. So -7 is less than -2 because -7 sits farther left. A frequent mistake is to think -7 is greater since 7 is greater than 2, but with negatives the larger digit means a smaller number.