Question

Which number is larger in the following pair, $0, - 2$?

Answer 1

Hint: Here, in the given question, we are given two numbers and we need to find which of them is larger. Numbers can be represented in a number line. When marked on a number line greater numbers lie toward right and smaller numbers lie towards left. If a number lies right with respect to another number we can say, the former number is greater than the latter.

Complete step by step answer:
We have $0, - 2$. We can use a number line to compare the numbers. Zero can be considered as the centre in the number line.Positive numbers are marked towards the right of the zero and negative numbers are marked towards the left of the zero.The magnitude or absolute value of a number increases as the distance from zero increases.

If a number lies right with respect to another number we can say, the former number is greater than the latter.

From the number line it is clear that $0 > - 2$ as $0$ is on the right of $ - 2$.

Therefore, the smaller number is $0$.

Note: We are clear about the smaller and larger numbers in the case of positive numbers. But we may make mistakes in cases involving negative numbers. Especially if two negative numbers are given. Product of two negative numbers will result in a positive number. Product of two positive numbers will result in a positive number. Product of one negative number and one positive number gives a negative number.