• Integers can be positive or negative.

• If both integers are positive, then we can compare them normally. 47 > 18

• If both integers are negative, then we need to compare the absolute value (the size without the sign; e.g. |-5| is 5 and +|5| is 5) of the integers. The bigger absolute value is the smaller number. So -4 > -9. That is -4 is bigger than -9.

• If one integer is positive and the other is negative, then the positive integer is always bigger.

• If A is positive and B is negative, A > B (positive number is greater).

• If A is negative and B is positive, A < B (negative number is smaller).

• A number line makes it easy to compare integers.