Any number on the number line

Every point on the number line corresponds to a specific real number. A real number can be used to describe one and only one point on the number line. The arrows at the ends of the number line show that the line continues.

Number to the left of zero are negative integers. They are read as “negative 1, negative 2,” and so on.

Numbers to the right of zero are positive integers. They are read as “positive 1, positive 2,” and so on.

Zero is neither positive nor negative.

A negative integer is always indicated by the use of a minus (–) sign. A positive integer may be indicated by a plus (+) sign or no sign at all.

 

The absolute value of an integer is the distance between the integer and zero. The symbol for absolute value is ||.

 

Example: |4| = 4 4 is 4 units from 0.

The absolute value of |4| is 4.

 

|–4| = 4 –4 is 4 units from 0.

The absolute value of |–4| is 4.