johnny says that -5 >-2....

Question

Johnny says that -5 > -2. Describe two different ways to explain to Johnny why this is not correct. 

Answer 1

Using a vertical number line, the numbers below zero become smaller. -5 is lower than -2 which means that -5 < -2

 

0

-1

-2

-3

-4

-5

 

Add a number to both sides to keep the inequality balanced. I pick 5

 

-5  > -2

+5   + 5

 

0  > 3 which is false, therefore; -5 > -2 is false.