7th Grade · The Number System

Negative Rational

7.NS.A.3

Definition

A rational number less than zero, located to the left of 0 on the number line. When comparing, the value closer to 0 is greater.

Examples

  • −3/4 = −0.75 = −75% are equivalent forms.
  • Comparing −2/3 and −1: −2/3 is closer to 0, so −2/3 > −1.

Key rule

When comparing negative rationals, the one closer to 0 is greater.

Memory hook

Closer to zero = bigger, for negatives.