Understanding Integers

Integers are a set of numbers that include whole numbers, their opposites, and zero. When you see numbers like -3, 0, or 5 on a number line, you're looking at integers. They're super important for all kinds of math you'll use later!

The absolute value of a number shows how far it is from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. For example, the absolute value of -141 is 141, written as |-141| = 141. Think of absolute value as measuring distance - it's always positive!

Additive inverses (also called opposites) are pairs of numbers that add up to zero. Numbers like 5 and -5 are opposites because 5 + (-5) = 0. These numbers sit at the same distance from zero on the number line, just on opposite sides.

Fun Fact: Rational numbers are a bigger family that includes integers! Any number that can be written as a fraction of two integers $like 3/4 or -2/1$ is a rational number.

Positive numbers are greater than zero and appear to the right of zero on a number line, while negative numbers are less than zero and appear to the left. Zero itself is neither positive nor negative - it's right in the middle!