Intro to Integers, Absolute Value, and Distance
Positives & Negatives
It is important to have a strong conceptual understanding of negative numbers for both the non-calculator section of the the GED Math test and in order to provide a strong foundation for the algebra that the majority of the test consists of.
LEARN IT
Key concepts to understand:
A number and its opposite are the same distance from zero on a number line, but on opposite sides. For example: 4 and -4 are the same distance from 0 on a number line, 4 units away, but in opposite directions: -4 is four units to the left of zero and 4 is four units to the right of zero.
The absolute value of a number is defined as its distance from zero on the number line. Essentially, since distance is always positive, the absolute value of a number is always positive. For example: The absolute value of -6 is 6, but the absolute value of 11 is just 11.
The difference between two numbers can be found by determining how the distance between those two numbers on a number line. Difference or distance is always positive.
Watch the Virtual GED Class video below for a complete explanation and tons of worked example problems.
PRACTICE IT
This Quizlet set practices conceptualizing positive and negative numbers using real-world scenarios and a number line.
This worksheet builds the concepts of integer understanding for students with some familiarity.
For GED Readiness, complete this assignment without a calculator.
WORKED EXAMPLES
Beginning 1
Experienced 1
Experienced 2
Experienced 3
Experienced 4
Experienced 5
Experienced 6
Experienced 7
Advanced 1
Advanced 2
Advanced 3
Advanced 4
Advanced 5
Advanced 6
Advanced 7
Advanced 8
Advanced 9
Advanced 10
Advanced 11
MathABILITY Basic Ops w/ Negs
Extension 1
Extension 2
Extension 3
Extension 4
Extension 5
Extension 6
