Compare Positive and Negative Numbers on a Number Line

Your students probably know how to compare whole numbers. This is a skill that students learn from an early age and then increases the complexity to include larger numbers, fractions, and decimals. Once students enter fifth and sixth grade, they may be introduced to the concept of positive and negative numbers. Not only is it important for them to understand how to find these numbers on a number line, but they should also understand how to compare them.

Teach Starter has created a worksheet that requires students to plot two integers on a number line. The integers may be both positive, negative, or one of each. Students will then have to write a comparison statement using >, <, or = for each set of numbers. Students must also answer a short answer question at the end of this worksheet.

An answer key is included with your download to make grading fast and easy!  

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

In addition to independent student work time, use this worksheet as an activity for:

• Guided math groups
• Lesson warm-up
• Lesson wrap-up
• Fast finishers 
• Homework assignment
• Whole-class review (via smartboard)

If there are students who need a bit of a challenge, encourage them to create a word problem involving comparing integers. 

For students who need additional support, encourage them to draw “number jumps” on each number line to help visualize the distance from zero.

🖨️ Easily Download & Print

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete. 

To save paper, we suggest printing this 2-page worksheet double-sided. 

Turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity by printing on cardstock and slipping it into a dry-erase sleeve. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks.

Get more worksheets to have handy!

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to shorten your lesson planning time:  

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Understanding Positive & Negative Numbers – Worksheet

Explore positive and negative numbers by plotting integers on a number line and identifying opposites with this worksheet.