The following symbols are used in comparing numbers;

Example

1. 4>1     b) 2<5

Note: if a>b, it means a is on the right side of b on the number line.

    If a<b, it means a is on the left side of b on the number line.

Use of brackets

Whenever there is a bracket or brackets in an expression, it tells you what to do first.

Examples:

1. 3+ (2x6)= 3+12= 15
2. (8+2²) – (6+1)= 12 - 7= 5

Integers:

These are positive whole numbers and their negative counter parts. It is denoted by the symbol Z, that is Z= (--- -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 ---).

Integers are of two types;

1. Positive integers Z⁺=(1,2,3,4----)
2. Negative integers Z^-=(----- -4, -3, -2, -1)

We represent integers on a number line as shown below:

par Claude Foumtum