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3.2: Introduction to Integers (continued)

  • Page ID
    114879
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    Learning Objectives

    By the end of this section, you will be able to:

    • Locate positive and negative numbers on the number line
    • Order positive and negative numbers
    • Find opposites
    • Simplify expressions with absolute value
    • Translate word phrases to expressions with integers

    Be Prepared 3.1

    Before you get started, take this readiness quiz.

    Plot 0,1,and30,1,and3 on a number line.
    If you missed this problem, review Example 1.1.

    Be Prepared 3.2

    Fill in the appropriate symbol: (=, <, or >):2___4(=, <, or >):2___4
    If you missed this problem, review Example 2.3.

    Locate Positive and Negative Numbers on the Number Line

    Do you live in a place that has very cold winters? Have you ever experienced a temperature below zero? If so, you are already familiar with negative numbers. A negative number is a number that is less than 0.Figure 3.2 shows −20°F,−20°F, which is 20degrees20degrees below 0.0.

    This figure is a thermometer scaled in degrees Fahrenheit. The thermometer has a reading of 20 degrees.
    Figure 3.2 Temperatures below zero are described by negative numbers.

    Temperatures are not the only negative numbers. A bank overdraft is another example of a negative number. If a person writes a check for more than he has in his account, his balance will be negative.

    Elevations can also be represented by negative numbers. The elevation at sea level is 0 feet.Figure 3.3.

    This figure is a drawing of a side view of the coast of Israel, showing different elevations. The Mediterranean Sea is labeled 0 feet elevation and the Dead Sea is labeled negative 1302 feet elevation. The country of Jordan is also labeled in the figure.
    Figure 3.3 The surface of the Mediterranean Sea has an elevation of 0 ft . 0 ft . The diagram shows that nearby mountains have higher (positive) elevations whereas the Dead Sea has a lower (negative) elevation.

    Depths below the ocean surface are also described by negative numbers. A submarine, for example, might descend to a depth of 500feet.Figure 3.4.

    This figure is a drawing of a submarine underwater. In the water is also a vertical number line, scaled in feet. The number line has 0 feet at the surface and negative 500 feet below the water where the submarine is located.
    Figure 3.4 Depths below sea level are described by negative numbers. A submarine 500 ft 500 ft below sea level is at −500 ft . −500 ft .

    Both positive and negative numbers can be represented on a number line. Recall that the number line created in Add Whole Numbers started at 0Figure 3.5. The counting numbers (1, 2, 3, …)(1, 2, 3, …) on the number line are all positive. We could write a plus sign, +,+, before a positive number such as +2+2 or +3,+3, but it is customary to omit the plus sign and write only the number. If there is no sign, the number is assumed to be positive.

    This figure is a number line scaled from 0 to 6.
    Figure 3.5

    Now we need to extend the number line to include negative numbers. We mark several units to the left of zero, keeping the intervals the same width as those on the positive side. We label the marks with negative numbers, starting with −1Figure 3.6.

    This figure is a number line with 0 in the middle. Then, the scaling has positive numbers 1 to 4 to the right of 0 and negative numbers, negative 1 to negative 4 to the left of 0.
    Figure 3.6 On a number line, positive numbers are to the right of zero. Negative numbers are to the left of zero. What about zero? Zero is neither positive nor negative.

    The arrows at either end of the line indicate that the number line extends forever in each direction. There is no greatest positive number and there is no smallest negative number.

    Manipulative Mathematics

    Doing the Manipulative Mathematics activity "Number Line-part 2" will help you develop a better understanding of integers.

    Example 3.1

    Plot the numbers on a number line:

    1. 33
    2. −3−3
    3. −2−2
    Answer

    Draw a number line. Mark 00 in the center and label several units to the left and right.

    1. ⓐ To plot 3,Figure 3.7.
      This figure is a number line scaled from negative 4 to 4, with the point 3 labeled with a dot.
      Figure 3.7
  • ⓑ To plot −3,Figure 3.8.
    This figure is a number line scaled from negative 4 to 4, with the point negative 3 labeled with a dot.
    Figure 3.8
  • ⓒ To plot −2,Figure 3.9.
    This figure is a number line scaled from negative 4 to 4, with the point negative 2 labeled with a dot.
    Figure 3.9
  • Try It 3.1

    Plot the numbers on a number line.

    1. 11
    2. −1−1
    3. −4−4

    Try It 3.2

    Plot the numbers on a number line.

    1. −4−4
    2. 4 4
    3. −1−1

    Order Positive and Negative Numbers

    We can use the number line to compare and order positive and negative numbers. Going from left to right, numbers increase in value. Going from right to left, numbers decrease in value. See Figure 3.10.

    This figure is a number line. Above the number line there is an arrow pointing to the right labeled increasing. Below the number line there is an arrow pointing to the left labeled decreasing.
    Figure 3.10

    Just as we did with positive numbers, we can use inequality symbols to show the ordering of positive and negative numbers. Remember that we use the notation a<bFigure 3.11.

    This figure is a number line with points 3 and 5 labeled with dots. Below the number line is the statements 3 is less than 5 and 5 is greater than 3.
    Figure 3.11 The number 3 3 is to the left of 5 5 on the number line. So 3 3 is less than 5 , 5 , and 5 5 is greater than 3 . 3 .

    The numbers lines to follow show a few more examples.

    This figure is a number line with points 1 and 4 labeled with dots.

    44 is to the right of 11 on the number line, so 4>1.4>1.

    11 is to the left of 44 on the number line, so 1<4.1<4.

    This figure is a number line with points negative 2 and 1 labeled with dots.

    −2−2 is to the left of 11 on the number line, so −2<1.−2<1.

    11 is to the right of −2−2 on the number line, so 1>−2.1>−2.

    This figure is a number line with points negative 3 and negative 1 labeled with dots.

    −1−1 is to the right of −3−3 on the number line, so −1>−3.−1>−3.

    −3−3 is to the left of −1−1 on the number line, so −3<1.−3<1.

    Example 3.2

    Order each of the following pairs of numbers using << or >:>:

    1. 14___614___6
    2. −1___9−1___9
    3. −1___−4−1___−4
    4. 2___−202___−20
    Answer

    Begin by plotting the numbers on a number line as shown in Figure 3.12.

    This figure is a number line with points negative 20, negative 4, negative 1, 2, 6, 9, and 14 labeled with dots.
    Figure 3.12
    Compare 14 and 6. 14___614___6
    14 is to the right of 6 on the number line. 14>614>6
    Compare −1 and 9. −1___9−1___9
    −1 is to the left of 9 on the number line. −1<9−1<9
    Compare −1 and −4. −1___−4−1___−4
    −1 is to the right of −4 on the number line. −1>−4−1>−4
    Compare 2 and −20. 2___−202___−20
    2 is to the right of −20 on the number line. 2>−202>−20

    Try It 3.3

    Order each of the following pairs of numbers using << or >.>.

    1. 15___715___7
    2. −2___5−2___5
    3. −3___−7−3___−7
    4. 5___−175___−17

    Try It 3.4

    Order each of the following pairs of numbers using << or >.>.

    1. 8___138___13
    2. 3___−43___−4
    3. −5___−2−5___−2
    4. 9___−219___−21

    Find Opposites

    On the number line, the negative numbers are a mirror image of the positive numbers with zero in the middle. Because the numbers 2Figure 3.13(a). Similarly, 3Figure 3.13(b).

    This figure shows two number lines. The first has points negative 2 and positive 2 labeled. Below the first line the statement is the numbers negative 2 and 2 are opposites. The second number line has the points negative 3 and 3 labeled. Below the number line is the statement negative 3 and 3 are opposites.
    Figure 3.13

    Opposite

    The opposite of a number is the number that is the same distance from zero on the number line, but on the opposite side of zero.

    Example 3.3

    Find the opposite of each number:

    1. 77
    2. −10−10
    Answer

    1. The number −7Figure 3.14.
      This figure is a number line. The points negative 7 and 7 are labeled. Above the line it is shown the distance from 0 to negative 7 and the distance from 0 to 7 are both 7.
      Figure 3.14
  • The number 10Figure 3.15.
    This figure is a number line. The points negative 10 and 10 are labeled. Above the line it is shown the distance from 0 to negative 10 and the distance from 0 to 10 are both 10.
    Figure 3.15
  • Try It 3.5

    Find the opposite of each number:

    1. 4 4
    2. −3−3

    Try It 3.6

    Find the opposite of each number:

    1. 88
    2. −5−5

    Opposite Notation

    Just as the same word in English can have different meanings, the same symbol in algebra can have different meanings. The specific meaning becomes clear by looking at how it is used. You have seen the symbol “−”,“−”, in three different ways.

    104104 Between two numbers, the symbol indicates the operation of subtraction.
    We read 104104 as 10 minus 44.
    −8−8 In front of a number, the symbol indicates a negative number.
    We read −8−8 as negative eight.
    xx In front of a variable or a number, it indicates the opposite.
    We readxx as the opposite of xx.
    (−2)(−2) Here we have two signs. The sign in the parentheses indicates that the number is negative 2.
    The sign outside the parentheses indicates the opposite. We read (−2)(−2) as the opposite of −2.−2.

    Opposite Notation

    aa means the opposite of the number aa

    The notation aa is read the opposite of a.a.

    Example 3.4

    Simplify: (−6).(−6).

    Answer

    (−6)(−6)
    The opposite of 66 is 6.6. 66

    Try It 3.7

    Simplify:

    (−1)(−1)

    Try It 3.8

    Simplify:

    (−5)(−5)

    Integers

    The set of counting numbers, their opposites, and 00 is the set of integers.

    Integers

    Integers are counting numbers, their opposites, and zero.

    −3,−2,−1,0,1,2,3−3,−2,−1,0,1,2,3

    We must be very careful with the signs when evaluating the opposite of a variable.

    Example 3.5

    Evaluate x:x:

    1. when x=8x=8
    2. when x=−8.x=−8.
    Answer

    To evaluate xx when x=8x=8, substitute 88 for xx.
    xx
    . .
    Simplify. −8−8
    To evaluate xx when x=−8x=−8, substitute −8−8 for xx.
    xx
    . .
    Simplify. 88

    Try It 3.9

    Evaluate n:n:

    1. whenn=4whenn=4
    2. whenn=−4whenn=−4

    Try It 3.10

    Evaluate: m:m:

    1. whenm=11whenm=11
    2. whenm=−11whenm=−11

    Simplify Expressions with Absolute Value

    We saw that numbers such as 55 and −5−5 are opposites because they are the same distance from 00 on the number line. They are both five units from 0.0. The distance between 00 and any number on the number line is called the absolute value of that number. Because distance is never negative, the absolute value of any number is never negative.

    The symbol for absolute value is two vertical lines on either side of a number. So the absolute value of 5Figure 3.16.

    This figure is a number line. The points negative 5 and 5 are labeled. Above the number line the distance from negative 5 to 0 is labeled as 5 units. Also above the number line the distance from 0 to 5 is labeled as 5 units.
    Figure 3.16

    Absolute Value

    The absolute value of a number is its distance from 00 on the number line.

    The absolute value of a number nn is written as |n|.|n|.

    |n|0for all numbers|n|0for all numbers

    Example 3.6

    Simplify:

    1. |3||3|
    2. |−44||−44|
    3. |0||0|
    Answer

    |3||3|
    3 is 3 units from zero. 33
    |−44||−44|
    −44 is 44 units from zero. 4444
    |0||0|
    0 is already at zero. 00

    Try It 3.11

    Simplify:

    1. |12||12|
    2. |−28||−28|

    Try It 3.12

    Simplify:

    1. |9||9|
    2. |37||37|

    We treat absolute value bars just like we treat parentheses in the order of operations. We simplify the expression inside first.

    Example 3.7

    Evaluate:

    1. |x|whenx=−35|x|whenx=−35
    2. |−y|wheny=−20|−y|wheny=−20
    3. |u|whenu=12|u|whenu=12
    4. |p|whenp=−14|p|whenp=−14
    Answer

    To find |x||x| when x=−35:x=−35:
    |x||x|
    . .
    Take the absolute value. 3535
    To find |y||y| when y=−20:y=−20:
    |y||y|
    . .
    Simplify. |20||20|
    Take the absolute value. 2020
    To find |u||u| when u=12:u=12:
    |u||u|
    . .
    Take the absolute value. −12−12
    To find |p||p| when p=−14:p=−14:
    |p||p|
    . .
    Take the absolute value. −14−14

    Notice that the result is negative only when there is a negative sign outside the absolute value symbol.

    Try It 3.13

    Evaluate:

    1. |x|whenx=−17|x|whenx=−17
    2. |−y|wheny=−39|−y|wheny=−39
    3. |m|whenm=22|m|whenm=22
    4. |p|whenp=−11|p|whenp=−11

    Try It 3.14

    1. |y|wheny=−23|y|wheny=−23
    2. |y|wheny=−21|y|wheny=−21
    3. |n|whenn=37|n|whenn=37
    4. |q|whenq=−49|q|whenq=−49

    Example 3.8

    Fill in <,>,or=<,>,or= for each of the following:

    1. |−5|___|−5||−5|___|−5|
    2. 8___|−8|8___|−8|
    3. −9___|−9|−9___|−9|
    4. |−7|___−7|−7|___−7
    Answer

    To compare two expressions, simplify each one first. Then compare.

    |−5|___|−5||−5|___|−5|
    Simplify. 5___−55___−5
    Order. 5>−55>−5
    8___|−8|8___|−8|
    Simplify. 8___88___8
    Order. 8>88>8
    −9___|−9|−9___|−9|
    Simplify. −9___9−9___9
    Order. −9=−9−9=−9
    |−7|___−7|−7|___−7
    Simplify. −7___7−7___7
    Order. −7=7−7=7

    Try It 3.15

    Fill in <,>,or=for each of the following:<,>,or=for each of the following:

    1. |−9|___|−9||−9|___|−9|
    2. 2___|−2|2___|−2|
    3. −8___|−8|−8___|−8|
    4. |−5|___−5|−5|___−5

    Try It 3.16

    Fill in <,>,or=<,>,or= for each of the following:

    1. 7___|−7|7___|−7|
    2. |−11|___−11|−11|___−11
    3. |−4|___|−4||−4|___|−4|
    4. −1___|−1|−1___|−1|

    Absolute value bars act like grouping symbols. First simplify inside the absolute value bars as much as possible. Then take the absolute value of the resulting number, and continue with any operations outside the absolute value symbols.

    Example 3.9

    Simplify:

    1. |9−3||9−3|
    2. 4|−2|4|−2|
    Answer

    For each expression, follow the order of operations. Begin inside the absolute value symbols just as with parentheses.

    |9−3|
    Simplify inside the absolute value sign. |6|
    Take the absolute value. 6
    4|−2|
    Take the absolute value. 4⋅2
    Multiply. 8

    Try It 3.17

    Simplify:

    1. |129||129|
    2. 3|−6|3|−6|

    Try It 3.18

    Simplify:

    1. |2716||2716|
    2. 9|−7|9|−7|

    Example 3.10

    Simplify: |8+7||5+6|.|8+7||5+6|.

    Answer

    For each expression, follow the order of operations. Begin inside the absolute value symbols just as with parentheses.

    |8+7|−|5+6|
    Simplify inside each absolute value sign. |15|−|11|
    Subtract. 4

    Try It 3.19

    Simplify: |1+8||2+5||1+8||2+5|

    Try It 3.20

    Simplify: |9−5||76||9−5||76|

    Example 3.11

    Simplify: 24|193(62)|.24|193(62)|.

    Answer

    We use the order of operations. Remember to simplify grouping symbols first, so parentheses inside absolute value symbols would be first.

    24|193(62)|24|193(62)|
    Simplify in the parentheses first. 24|193(4)|24|193(4)|
    Multiply 3(4)3(4). 24|1912|24|1912|
    Subtract inside the absolute value sign. 24|7|24|7|
    Take the absolute value. 247247
    Subtract. 1717

    Try It 3.21

    Simplify: 19|114(31)|19|114(31)|

    Try It 3.22

    Simplify: 9|84(75)|9|84(75)|

    Translate Word Phrases into Expressions with Integers

    Now we can translate word phrases into expressions with integers. Look for words that indicate a negative sign. For example, the word negative in “negative twenty” indicates −20.−20. So does the word opposite in “the opposite of 20.”20.”

    Example 3.12

    Translate each phrase into an expression with integers:

    1. the opposite of positive fourteen
    2. the opposite of −11−11
    3. negative sixteen
    4. two minus negative seven
    Answer

    1. the opposite of fourteen
      −14−14
    2. the opposite of −11
      (−11)=11(−11)=11
    3. negative sixteen
      −16−16
    4. two minus negative seven
      2(−7)2(−7)

    Try It 3.23

    Translate each phrase into an expression with integers:

    1. the opposite of positive nine
    2. the opposite of −15−15
    3. negative twenty
    4. eleven minus negative four

    Try It 3.24

    Translate each phrase into an expression with integers:

    1. the opposite of negative nineteen
    2. the opposite of twenty-two
    3. negative nine
    4. negative eight minus negative five

    As we saw at the start of this section, negative numbers are needed to describe many real-world situations. We’ll look at some more applications of negative numbers in the next example.

    Example 3.13

    Translate into an expression with integers:

    1. The temperature is 12degrees Fahrenheit12degrees Fahrenheit below zero.
    2. The football team had a gain of 3yards.3yards.
    3. The elevation of the Dead Sea is 1,302feet1,302feet below sea level.
    4. A checking account is overdrawn by $40.$40.
    Answer

    Look for key phrases in each sentence. Then look for words that indicate negative signs. Don’t forget to include units of measurement described in the sentence.

    The temperature is 12 degrees Fahrenheit below zero.
    Below zero tells us that 12 is a negative number. 12ºF12ºF
    The football team had a gain of 3 yards.
    A gain tells us that 3 is a positive number. 33 yards
    The elevation of the Dead Sea is 1,302 feet below sea level.
    Below sea level tells us that 1,302 is a negative number. 1,3021,302 feet
    A checking account is overdrawn by $40.
    Overdrawn tells us that 40 is a negative number. $40$40

    Try It 3.25

    Translate into an expression with integers:

    The football team had a gain of 5yards.5yards.

    Try It 3.26

    Translate into an expression with integers:

    The scuba diver was 30feet30feet below the surface of the water.

    Media

    Section 3.1 Exercises

    Practice Makes Perfect

    Locate Positive and Negative Numbers on the Number Line

    For the following exercises, draw a number line and locate and label the given points on that number line.

    1.
    1. 22
    2. −2−2
    3. −5−5
    2.
    1. 55
    2. −5−5
    3. −2−2
    3.
    1. −8−8
    2. 88
    3. −6−6
    4.
    1. −7 −7
    2. 77
    3. −1−1

    Order Positive and Negative Numbers on the Number Line

    In the following exercises, order each of the following pairs of numbers, using << or >.>.

    5.
    1. 9__49__4
    2. −3__6−3__6
    3. −8__−2−8__−2
    4. 1__−101__−10
    6.
    1. 6__2;6__2;
    2. −7__4;−7__4;
    3. −9__−1;−9__−1;
    4. 9__−39__−3
    7.
    1. −5__1;−5__1;
    2. −4__−9;−4__−9;
    3. 6__10;6__10;
    4. 3__−83__−8
    8.
    1. −7__3;−7__3;
    2. −10__−5;−10__−5;
    3. 2__−6;2__−6;
    4. 8__98__9

    Find Opposites

    In the following exercises, find the opposite of each number.

    9.
    1. 22
    2. −6−6
    10.
    1. 99
    2. −4−4
    11.
    1. −8−8
    2. 11
    12.
    1. −2−2
    2. 66

    In the following exercises, simplify.

    13.

    ( −4 ) ( −4 )

    14.

    ( −8 ) ( −8 )

    15.

    ( −15 ) ( −15 )

    16.

    ( −11 ) ( −11 )

    In the following exercises, evaluate.

    17.

    mwhenmwhen

    1. m=3m=3
    2. m=−3m=−3
    18.

    pwhenpwhen

    1. p=6p=6
    2. p=−6p=−6
    19.

    cwhencwhen

    1. c=12c=12
    2. c=−12c=−12
    20.

    dwhendwhen

    1. d=21d=21
    2. d=−21d=−21

    Simplify Expressions with Absolute Value

    In the following exercises, simplify each absolute value expression.

    21.
    1. |7||7|
    2. |−25||−25|
    3. |0||0|
    22.
    1. |5||5|
    2. |20||20|
    3. |−19||−19|
    23.
    1. |−32||−32|
    2. |−18||−18|
    3. |16||16|
    24.
    1. |−41||−41|
    2. |−40||−40|
    3. |22||22|

    In the following exercises, evaluate each absolute value expression.

    25.
    1. |x|whenx=−28|x|whenx=−28
    2. |u|whenu=−15|u|whenu=−15
    26.
    1. |y|wheny=−37|y|wheny=−37
    2. |z|whenz=−24|z|whenz=−24
    27.
    1. |p|whenp=19|p|whenp=19
    2. |q|whenq=−33|q|whenq=−33
    28.
    1. |a|whena=60|a|whena=60
    2. |b|whenb=−12|b|whenb=−12

    In the following exercises, fill in <,>,or=<,>,or= to compare each expression.

    29.
    1. −6__|−6|−6__|−6|
    2. |−3|__−3|−3|__−3
    30.
    1. −8__|−8|−8__|−8|
    2. |−2|__−2|−2|__−2
    31.
    1. |−3|__|−3||−3|__|−3|
    2. 4__|−4|4__|−4|
    32.
    1. |−5|__|−5||−5|__|−5|
    2. 9__|−9|9__|−9|

    In the following exercises, simplify each expression.

    33.

    | 8 4 | | 8 4 |

    34.

    | 9 6 | | 9 6 |

    35.

    8 | −7 | 8 | −7 |

    36.

    5 | −5 | 5 | −5 |

    37.

    | 15 7 | | 14 6 | | 15 7 | | 14 6 |

    38.

    | 17 8 | | 13 4 | | 17 8 | | 13 4 |

    39.

    18 | 2 ( 8 3 ) | 18 | 2 ( 8 3 ) |

    40.

    15 | 3 ( 8 5 ) | 15 | 3 ( 8 5 ) |

    41.

    8 ( 14 2 | −2 | ) 8 ( 14 2 | −2 | )

    42.

    6 ( 13 4 | −2 | ) 6 ( 13 4 | −2 | )

    Translate Word Phrases into Expressions with Integers

    Translate each phrase into an expression with integers. Do not simplify.

    43.
    1. the opposite of 88
    2. the opposite of −6−6
    3. negative three
    4. 44 minus negative 33
    44.
    1. the opposite of 1111
    2. the opposite of −4−4
    3. negative nine
    4. 88 minus negative 22
    45.
    1. the opposite of 2020
    2. the opposite of −5−5
    3. negative twelve
    4. 1818 minus negative 77
    46.
    1. the opposite of 1515
    2. the opposite of −9−9
    3. negative sixty
    4. 1212 minus 55
    47.

    a temperature of 6degrees6degrees below zero

    48.

    a temperature of 14degrees14degrees below zero

    49.

    an elevation of 40feet40feet below sea level

    50.

    an elevation of 65feet65feet below sea level

    51.

    a football play loss of 12yards12yards

    52.

    a football play gain of 4yards4yards

    53.

    a stock gain of $3$3

    54.

    a stock loss of $5$5

    55.

    a golf score one above par

    56.

    a golf score of 33 below par

    Everyday Math

    57.

    Elevation The highest elevation in the United States is Mount McKinley, Alaska, at 20,320feet20,320feet above sea level. The lowest elevation is Death Valley, California, at 282feet282feet below sea level. Use integers to write the elevation of:

    1. Mount McKinley
    2. Death Valley
    58.

    Extreme temperatures The highest recorded temperature on Earth is 58° Celsius,58° Celsius, recorded in the Sahara Desert in 1922. The lowest recorded temperature is 90°90° below 0° Celsius,0° Celsius, recorded in Antarctica in 1983. Use integers to write the:

    1. highest recorded temperature
    2. lowest recorded temperature
    59.

    State budgets In June, 2011, the state of Pennsylvania estimated it would have a budget surplus of $540 million.$540 million. That same month, Texas estimated it would have a budget deficit of $27 billion.$27 billion. Use integers to write the budget:

    1. surplus
    2. deficit
    60.

    College enrollments Across the United States, community college enrollment grew by 1,400,0001,400,000 students from 20072007 to 2010.2010. In California, community college enrollment declined by 110,171110,171 students from 20092009 to 2010.2010. Use integers to write the change in enrollment:

    1. growth
    2. decline

    Writing Exercises

    61.

    Give an example of a negative number from your life experience.

    62.

    What are the three uses of the “−” sign in algebra? Explain how they differ.

    Self Check

    After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.

    .

    If most of your checks were:

    …confidently. Congratulations! You have achieved the objectives in this section. Reflect on the study skills you used so that you can continue to use them. What did you do to become confident of your ability to do these things? Be specific.

    …with some help. This must be addressed quickly because topics you do not master become potholes in your road to success. In math, every topic builds upon previous work. It is important to make sure you have a strong foundation before you move on. Whom can you ask for help? Your fellow classmates and instructor are good resources. Is there a place on campus where math tutors are available? Can your study skills be improved?

    …no—I don’t get it! This is a warning sign and you must not ignore it. You should get help right away or you will quickly be overwhelmed. See your instructor as soon as you can to discuss your situation. Together you can come up with a plan to get you the help you need.


    This page titled 3.2: Introduction to Integers (continued) is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by OpenStax.

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