number line

A number line is a straight line on which whole numbers are marked. The whole numbers are always equidistant from each other. It’s useful when making calculations, for example adding, subtracting or showing the relationship between numbers.

The numbers on the left are less than the numbers on the right, and therefore the numbers on the right are greater than the numbers on the left.

For example:

• 4 is less than 9

• –3 is less than 3

• 9 is greater than 4

• 3 is greater than –3.