In this activity, we will learn how to put integers in ascending order, placing the smallest number first.
Don't be put off by the word integer - it simply means a whole number, not a fraction or a decimal.
Example
Arrange the following integers in ascending order, putting the smallest number first.
48, 56, 14, -35, -2
Answer
-35, -2, 14, 48, 56
The smallest negative number is -35, then -2. The smallest positive number is 14.
Let's try another one:
Arrange the following integers in ascending order:
12, 0, -3, -15, 5
Answer
-15, -3, 0, 5, 12
Let's move on to some questions now.