Comparing negative numbers - Number and Place Value by URBrainy.com - Free Printable

Let's solve the problem step by step.

Understanding the Concept:

When comparing negative numbers, remember:
- The greater a negative number is (closer to zero), the larger it is.
- The smaller a negative number is (further from zero, more negative), the smaller it is.

For example:
- $-2 > -5$ because $-2$ is closer to zero than $-5$
- $-8 < -3$ because $-8$ is further from zero than $-3$

We use:
- $<$ means "is less than"
- $>$ means "is more than"

---

Now, let’s solve each problem:

#### 1. $-5 \quad \boxed{?} \quad -8$
- $-5$ is greater than $-8$ because it’s closer to zero.
- So: $-5 > -8$

✔ Answer: >

---

#### 2. $-3 \quad \boxed{?} \quad -5$
- $-3$ is greater than $-5$
- So: $-3 > -5$

✔ Answer: >

---

#### 3. $-8 \quad \boxed{?} \quad -2$
- $-8$ is less than $-2$ (it’s further from zero)
- So: $-8 < -2$

✔ Answer: <

---

#### 4. $-3 \quad \boxed{?} \quad -7$
- $-3$ is greater than $-7$
- So: $-3 > -7$

✔ Answer: >

---

#### 5. $-1 \quad \boxed{?} \quad -6$
- $-1$ is greater than $-6$
- So: $-1 > -6$

✔ Answer: >

---

#### 6. $-5 \quad \boxed{?} \quad -2$
- $-5$ is less than $-2$
- So: $-5 < -2$

✔ Answer: <

---

#### 7. $-8 \quad \boxed{?} \quad -9$
- $-8$ is greater than $-9$ (closer to zero)
- So: $-8 > -9$

✔ Answer: >

---

#### 8. $-9 \quad \boxed{?} \quad -4$
- $-9$ is less than $-4$
- So: $-9 < -4$

✔ Answer: <

---

✔ Final Answers:

1. $-5 > -8$
2. $-3 > -5$
3. $-8 < -2$
4. $-3 > -7$
5. $-1 > -6$
6. $-5 < -2$
7. $-8 > -9$
8. $-9 < -4$

---

📝 Summary Tip:

Think of a number line:
```
... -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 ...
```
The further left a number is, the smaller it is. So, numbers on the right are greater.

You can always compare negative numbers by seeing which one is closer to zero — that one is greater.

Let me know if you want this turned into a printable answer sheet!