Let’s solve each problem one by one. We’re comparing two numbers and need to put the correct sign:
- “<” means the number on the left is smaller than the one on the right.
- “>” means the number on the left is bigger than the one on the right.
- “=” means they are equal.
Remember:
→ Positive numbers are always greater than negative numbers.
→ For negative numbers, the one with the larger absolute value (farther from zero) is actually smaller.
Example: -5 is less than -3 because -5 is farther left on the number line.
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1. -5 □ -3
-5 is to the left of -3 → so -5 is smaller → use
<
2. 10 □ -10
Positive 10 vs negative 10 → positive is always bigger → use
>
3. -4 □ 6
Negative vs positive → negative is smaller → use
<
4. 6 □ -2
Positive vs negative → positive is bigger → use
>
5. -2 □ 12
Negative vs positive → negative is smaller → use
<
6. 0 □ 0
Same number → use
=
7. 14 □ -15
Positive vs negative → positive is bigger → use
>
8. -2 □ -1
Both negative — which is closer to zero? -1 is closer → so -2 is smaller → use
<
9. -11 □ -15
Both negative — -11 is closer to zero than -15 → so -11 is bigger → use
>
10. -2 □ 1
Negative vs positive → negative is smaller → use
<
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Final Answer:
1. <
2. >
3. <
4. >
5. <
6. =
7. >
8. <
9. >
10. <
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of ordering negative numbers worksheet ks2.
