Ordering integers and absolute value: Class 6 practice
On a number line numbers increase to the right, so −8 < −3. Read the method, follow the three worked examples, then try the six questions.
What you should know first
- Number line
The idea behind ordering integers and absolute value
On a number line numbers increase to the right, so −8 < −3. The absolute value |a| is the distance from zero and is never negative.
Step-by-step method
- Place each integer on a number line.
- Read from left (smallest) to right (largest).
- |a| = a if a ≥ 0, −a if a < 0.
Worked example 1 (Basic)
Arrange in increasing order: -4, 5, -28, 26.
- Place on the number line
- -28 < -4 < 5 < 26
- Answer: -28 < -4 < 5 < 26
Worked example 2 (Standard)
Arrange in increasing order: 30, -28, 10, 16, -26.
- Place on the number line
- -28 < -26 < 10 < 16 < 30
- Answer: -28 < -26 < 10 < 16 < 30
Worked example 3 (Challenge)
Find |-8| + |14| − |-8 + 14|.
- |-8| = 8, |14| = 14
- |6| = 6
- = 16
- Answer: 16
Common mistakes and misconceptions
- Thinking −8 > −3
- Giving a negative absolute value
Practice questions
- (Basic) Arrange in increasing order: -21, 5, -29, -17.
- (Basic) Arrange in increasing order: -6, 30, -18, -7.
- (Standard) Arrange in increasing order: -9, -23, 6, 28, 22.
- (Standard) Arrange in increasing order: -6, -1, 23, 13, 5.
- (Challenge) Find |-12| + |19| − |-12 + 19|.
- (Challenge) Find |-16| + |14| − |-16 + 14|.
Answer key with full working
- Q1: Place on the number line → -29 < -21 < -17 < 5 → Answer: -29 < -21 < -17 < 5
- Q2: Place on the number line → -18 < -7 < -6 < 30 → Answer: -18 < -7 < -6 < 30
- Q3: Place on the number line → -23 < -9 < 6 < 22 < 28 → Answer: -23 < -9 < 6 < 22 < 28
- Q4: Place on the number line → -6 < -1 < 5 < 13 < 23 → Answer: -6 < -1 < 5 < 13 < 23
- Q5: |-12| = 12, |19| = 19 → |7| = 7 → = 24 → Answer: 24
- Q6: |-16| = 16, |14| = 14 → |-2| = 2 → = 28 → Answer: 28
Syllabus note
This skill is listed under "Integers" for Class 6 in the NCERT/CBSE books. ICSE, IGCSE, IB and state boards may teach it in a different chapter or year.
Answers on this page are generated and automatically re-checked by a second, independent calculation. They have not been reviewed by a teacher — if you spot a problem, tell us on WhatsApp.
Related practice and notes
Frequently asked questions
Which chapter is ordering integers and absolute value in?
"Integers", Class 6 Maths (NCERT/CBSE). Other boards may place it differently.
How were the answers checked?
Answers on this page are generated and automatically re-checked by a second, independent calculation. They have not been reviewed by a teacher — if you spot a problem, tell us on WhatsApp.