Last updated on July 5th, 2025
The straight line where the numbers are represented clearly is called the number line. Integers include the positive numbers, negative numbers, and zero. For kids, number lines are used to explain basic mathematical concepts like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In this article, how to represent integers on a number line will be discussed.
Integers are the set of zero, positive, and negative numbers including zero. It is represented using “Z”,. For example, -5, -2, -1, 0, 1, 5, and 8.
How to Represent Integers on a Number Line?
Let us now understand how to represent integers on a number line. As we know, the integers consist of positive numbers such as 1, 2, 3, 4, …, and negative numbers such as -1, -2, -3, -4, …, and 0. When representing integers on the number line, we mark zero at the center of the number line. Positive numbers are marked to the right of zero, and negative numbers to the left.
Addition and Subtraction of Integers on Number Line
The numbers are used to perform basic arithmetic operations. Now let’s learn how to add or subtract integers using the number line. We start from 0 and move to the right if the numbers are positive and to the left if the numbers are negative.
Addition of integers on the number line:
When adding integers using a number line, we first check the sign of the second addend. Then we mark the first addend on the number line and move towards the right side if the second addend is positive. Move to the left if the second addend is a negative number
For example, 8 + (-3):
First, mark 8 on a number line. As the second addend is a negative number, we move 3 steps towards the left. So, 8 + (-3) = 5.
Subtraction of integers using number line:
The subtraction of integers follows similar steps to addition. When subtracting, we should first check the sign of the subtrahend. If the subtrahend is a positive integer, we move to the left. Move to the right if the subtrahend is a negative number.
For example, 8 - 5:
To find the difference, first mark 8 on the number line. Then, move 5 steps to the left. So, 8 - 5 = 3
Multiplication of Integers on Number Line
Multiplication is the process of repeatedly adding a number to itself. When multiplying an integer by a number, we start from zero. Then move to the right if the multiplier is positive, and if the multiplier is negative, we move left.
For example, 5 × (-4)
To multiply 5 and (-4), we start at 0, and then move 4 steps to the left, 5 times. The final position is -20, so 5 × (-4) = -20
In our real life, integers on the number line are used to represent concepts like temperature, elevation, sports, and so on. Here are real-world applications of integers on the number line.
Understanding integers on a number line is essential for performing arithmetic operations. Students often make mistakes when working with integers on a number line. To avoid these common mistakes, let’s learn how to avoid them.
Represent the integers -4, -1, 0, 3, and 5 on a number line.
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To represent the integers on a number line, first draw a horizontal line with equal spacing. Identify and label the numbers using circles.
Compare -3 and 2 using a number line.
-3 is less than 2
On a number line, the number on the right side is greater. As -3 is on the left of 2, -3 is less than 2.
Find (-2) + 5 using a number line
(-2) + 5 = 3
Draw a number line and mark the points in equal intervals. Start from -2 and move 5 units to the right, it ends at point 3. Therefore, (-2) + 5 = 3.
Find (-5) - (-2) using a number line.
(-5) - (-2) = -3
Draw a number line and label point -5, and move 2 units to the right, and it lands on -3. So (-5) - (-2) = -3.
Find (-3) × 2 using a number line.
(-3) × 2 = -6
Multiplication is the repeated addition of a number. So to multiply -3 with 2, we move 2 groups of -3, that is, move 3 units to the left and 3 units to the right. So, (-3) × 2 = -6.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.