Number foundations

Integer Number Line Worksheets

Understand negative numbers, order integers and explain distance from zero. Six printable questions, number-line diagrams and worked answers.

Foundation practice · positive and negative whole numbers · 6 questions · Free to print · Answers included

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Make sense of the method

A number line shows order as position. Numbers increase to the right, even when both numbers are negative. That is why -2 is greater than -7.

Distance and position answer different questions. -7 describes a position; its distance from zero is 7 units. These diagrams and explanations prepare learners for signed fractions, decimals and integer operations.

  1. Locate zero and check the size of each interval.
  2. Move right for greater values and left for smaller values.
  3. Count intervals, not tick marks, when measuring distance.
  4. Give the direction as well as the number of units when describing a move.

A worked example

Which is greater, -6 or -2? Which is farther from zero?

Position and distanceNumber line from -8 to 4, intervals of 1. A is at -6; B is at -2-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-101234AB
Position and distance
  1. -2 is to the right of -6, so -2 > -6.
  2. The distances from zero are 2 and 6 units. A greater distance from zero does not always mean a greater number.

-2 is greater, but -6 is farther from zero.

Try the worksheet

Start with the first two questions, then build toward the final challenge. Show your method with calculations, drawings or a short explanation. These are practice questions with published answers, not a full-topic readiness check.

  1. Build the foundation

    1.Read the values of A and B on the number line. Explain how you used the interval size.

    Locate A and BNumber line from -6 to 6, intervals of 1. A is at -4; B is at 3-6-5-4-3-2-10123456AB
    Locate A and B
    Show your work on paper.

  2. Build the foundation

    2.Plot and label -5, 0 and 4 on the blank number line. Then write them from least to greatest.

    Plot your pointsNumber line from -6 to 6, intervals of 1. No points have been plotted.-6-5-4-3-2-10123456
    Plot your points
    Show your work on paper.

  3. Strengthen your method

    3.Fill each gap with <, > or = and explain: -9 __ -3; 0 __ -1; -4 __ 4.

    Show your work on paper.

  4. Strengthen your method

    4.The morning temperature is -3°C and the afternoon temperature is 5°C. How many degrees did it rise? Show the move through zero.

    Show your work on paper.

  5. Apply and explain

    5.Two points are both 7 units from zero. Name both values. Explain why there are two answers.

    Show your work on paper.

  6. Apply and explain

    6.An elevator starts on floor -2, rises 6 floors, then descends 9 floors. Where does it finish? Describe both moves and its total change from the start.

    Show your work on paper.
Download free worksheetPDF

Worked answers

Try the questions first. Then compare the reasoning, not just the final result.

Show all six worked solutions

  1. 1. A = -4; B = 3.

    1. Each interval is 1 unit.
    2. A is four intervals left of zero. B is three intervals right of zero.

  2. 2. -5 < 0 < 4.

    1. Put -5 five intervals left of zero and 4 four intervals right of zero.
    2. Reading left to right gives -5, 0, 4.
    Completed number lineNumber line from -6 to 6, intervals of 1. -5 is at -5; 0 is at 0; 4 is at 4-6-5-4-3-2-10123456-504
    Completed number line

  3. 3. -9 < -3; 0 > -1; -4 < 4.

    1. -9 is left of -3. Zero is right of -1.
    2. Every negative number is left of zero and every positive number is right of zero, so -4 < 4.

  4. 4. It rose 8°C.

    1. From -3 to 0 is a rise of 3 degrees.
    2. From 0 to 5 is another 5 degrees. The total rise is 3 + 5 = 8 degrees.

  5. 5. -7 and 7.

    1. A distance of 7 units can be measured to the left or to the right of zero.
    2. The negative sign records the left-hand position; it does not make the distance negative.

  6. 6. Floor -5; total change -3 floors.

    1. First move: -2 + 6 = 4.
    2. Second move: 4 - 9 = -5.
    3. The net change is +6 - 9 = -3. Floor -5 is three floors below the starting floor -2.

Mistakes worth catching

Saying -9 is greater than -3 because 9 is greater than 3.

Use position: -9 is farther left, so it is smaller.

Counting tick marks to find the distance between points.

Count the spaces between them. From -1 to 1 is two intervals.

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Skills covered

Number foundations

  • Locate and order positive and negative integers.
  • Distinguish a number’s position from its distance from zero.

Choose this practice by the skills you need. Grade placement and strand names vary between school systems; one worksheet covers selected skills rather than every expectation in a topic.

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Created by Gradulo · Updated September 9, 2026 · Free for personal and classroom practice.
Integer Number Line Worksheets with Answers | Gradulo