Vocabulary

Integer – whole numbers and their opposites {…, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, …}

Negative integer – any integer less than zero. 

Positive integer – any integer greater than zero. 

Concepts

Writing an integer to represent a real-world situation.

Rules

1. Read the statement and determine if the given value is above or below zero for a given condition.

2. If it is above, the integer is positive and can be written with a + sign.

3. If it is below, the integer is negative and must be written with a – sign.

Example

Choose the number that represents the given situation.

15 meters below sea level

Solution

The phrase “below sea level” indicates that the integer is below zero and is negative. Therefore, the correct choice is -15.

Pre-requisite Skills

Compare Numbers (5.1.4)