“Knowledge they say is a key that opens doorways to success.” This saying is true, most especially in anything that has to do with formal education. Growing up as a child, I dislike school works most especially mathematics and the topic that often make my headache was integers.
As simple as this was, I had a hard time understanding it and using it appropriately when asked to solve a problem. But when I finally realized the importance of knowledge, I began to study more until I was able to get it right.
As students, moments like this are inevitable. And the only thing that can be of help in times like this is guidance. As someone who has gone through this stage before, I know exactly what students are facing when it comes to understanding integers. Mainly because of that, I have prepared a simple guide right here to see students through that dark stage of understanding what integers are all about.
What exactly are integers?
Integers are simply whole numbers which could either be zero, positive or negative depending on the position of the integer on the number line. Integers do not include fractions, decimals or percents. Examples of integers are 1, -2, 6, 1000, -200, 4, and many more.
Do not know what number line is? Number lines line used to show the increase and decrease of numbers. An increase towards the right side is considered as a positive increase in number, while the left is considered as a negative decrease in number. At the center of the number line, we have 0 which separates the two sides.
Positive integers
These are numbers that are found on the right-hand side of the number line. Attached to this numbers is a positive sign (+) to signify its position on the number line and differentiate it from its negative counterparts. A good example is (7) and (-7)
Negative Integers
Unlike the positive integers, these numbers start from the center number towards the left to infinity. It also has the negative sign attached to each number as they decrease. Understanding the difference between these two numbers gave me better precision when it comes to adding and subtracting both positive and negative numbers on the number line.
Integers are a big part of the math sections of the SHSAT. You can prepare for the SHSAT at Caddell Prep if you wish to gain additional knowledge to help you become a master at solving any problem that has to do with integers.
