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.