Which Is The Smaller Number: { -5$}$ Or { -15$}$?

Introduction

When it comes to comparing numbers, we often focus on the magnitude of the numbers, but in the case of negative numbers, the sign also plays a crucial role. In this article, we will explore the concept of comparing negative numbers and determine which is smaller between $-5$ and $-15$.

Understanding Negative Numbers

Negative numbers are numbers that are less than zero. They are denoted by a minus sign (-) preceding the number. For example, $-5$ is a negative number, as it is less than zero. Similarly, $-15$ is also a negative number.

Comparing Negative Numbers

When comparing negative numbers, we need to consider both the magnitude and the sign of the numbers. The magnitude of a number refers to its size or amount, while the sign indicates whether the number is positive or negative.

To compare two negative numbers, we can use the following steps:

1. Determine the magnitude of each number.
2. Compare the magnitudes of the two numbers.
3. If the magnitudes are equal, the number with the smaller sign is smaller.

Comparing $-5$ and $-15$

Now, let's apply the steps above to compare $-5$ and $-15$.

1. Determine the magnitude of each number:
   • The magnitude of $-5$ is 5.
   • The magnitude of $-15$ is 15.
2. Compare the magnitudes of the two numbers:
   • Since 5 is less than 15, the magnitude of $-5$ is smaller than the magnitude of $-15$.
3. Since the magnitudes are not equal, we can conclude that $-5$ is smaller than $-15$.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when comparing negative numbers, we need to consider both the magnitude and the sign of the numbers. By following the steps outlined above, we can determine which negative number is smaller. In this case, $-5$ is smaller than $-15$.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What is the difference between a negative number and a positive number? A: A negative number is a number that is less than zero, while a positive number is a number that is greater than zero.
• Q: How do I compare two negative numbers? A: To compare two negative numbers, determine the magnitude of each number, compare the magnitudes, and if the magnitudes are equal, the number with the smaller sign is smaller.
• Q: Is $-5$ smaller than $-15$? A: Yes, $-5$ is smaller than $-15$.

Final Thoughts

Comparing negative numbers can be a bit tricky, but by following the steps outlined above, we can determine which negative number is smaller. Remember to consider both the magnitude and the sign of the numbers when comparing negative numbers.

Introduction

Comparing negative numbers can be a bit tricky, but with the right understanding and techniques, it can be a breeze. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about comparing negative numbers.

Q: What is the difference between a negative number and a positive number?

A: A negative number is a number that is less than zero, while a positive number is a number that is greater than zero. For example, $-5$ is a negative number, while $5$ is a positive number.

Q: How do I compare two negative numbers?

A: To compare two negative numbers, follow these steps:

1. Determine the magnitude of each number.
2. Compare the magnitudes of the two numbers.
3. If the magnitudes are equal, the number with the smaller sign is smaller.

Q: What if the magnitudes of the two numbers are equal?

A: If the magnitudes of the two numbers are equal, then the number with the smaller sign is smaller. For example, $-5$ and $-5$ have the same magnitude, but since they have the same sign, they are equal.

Q: Can I compare a negative number and a positive number?

A: Yes, you can compare a negative number and a positive number. To do this, simply compare the magnitudes of the two numbers. The number with the smaller magnitude is smaller. For example, $-5$ is smaller than $5$ because the magnitude of $-5$ is smaller than the magnitude of $5$.

Q: What if I have a negative number and a zero?

A: If you have a negative number and a zero, the zero is greater than the negative number. This is because zero is greater than any negative number.

Q: Can I compare a negative number and a fraction?

A: Yes, you can compare a negative number and a fraction. To do this, simply compare the magnitudes of the two numbers. The number with the smaller magnitude is smaller. For example, $-5$ is smaller than $-3/2$ because the magnitude of $-5$ is smaller than the magnitude of $-3/2$.

Q: What if I have a negative number and a decimal?

A: If you have a negative number and a decimal, you can compare the magnitudes of the two numbers. The number with the smaller magnitude is smaller. For example, $-5$ is smaller than $-3.5$ because the magnitude of $-5$ is smaller than the magnitude of $-3.5$.

Q: Can I compare a negative number and an integer?

A: Yes, you can compare a negative number and an integer. To do this, simply compare the magnitudes of the two numbers. The number with the smaller magnitude is smaller. For example, $-5$ is smaller than $5$ because the magnitude of $-5$ is smaller than the magnitude of $5$.

Q: What if I have a negative number and a mixed number?

A: If you have a negative number and a mixed number, you can compare the magnitudes of the two numbers. The number with the smaller magnitude is smaller. For example, $-5$ is smaller than $-3 1/2$ because the magnitude of $-5$ is smaller than the magnitude of $-3 1/2$.

Q: Can I compare a negative number and a percentage?

A: Yes, you can compare a negative number and a percentage. To do this, simply compare the magnitudes of the two numbers. The number with the smaller magnitude is smaller. For example, $-5$ is smaller than $-5\%$ because the magnitude of $-5$ is smaller than the magnitude of $-5\%$.

Q: What if I have a negative number and a ratio?

A: If you have a negative number and a ratio, you can compare the magnitudes of the two numbers. The number with the smaller magnitude is smaller. For example, $-5$ is smaller than $-3/2$ because the magnitude of $-5$ is smaller than the magnitude of $-3/2$.

Q: Can I compare a negative number and a complex number?

A: Yes, you can compare a negative number and a complex number. To do this, simply compare the magnitudes of the two numbers. The number with the smaller magnitude is smaller. For example, $-5$ is smaller than $-3+4i$ because the magnitude of $-5$ is smaller than the magnitude of $-3+4i$.

Conclusion

Comparing negative numbers can be a bit tricky, but with the right understanding and techniques, it can be a breeze. By following the steps outlined above, you can compare any two negative numbers and determine which one is smaller. Remember to consider both the magnitude and the sign of the numbers when comparing negative numbers.