Lesson WHAT IS a number line

Those who are great at mathematics are able to solve math problems by visualizing them. Number line helps to visualize the order of numbers.
A smaller number would show to the LEFT of the larger number. Example:

Here, the number 4.5 is shown to the LEFT of 7.2. And, obviously, 4.5 is less than 7.2.
A number line is normally drawn as a "long arrow", with integer numbers marked on it for reference. Negative numbers are to the left of zero, and positive numbers are to the right of zero.
The distance from a smaller number to the greater number is the difference between the greater and the smaller number.
A number line is especially useful for learning to compare negative or positive numbers. A rule to remember is this:

If a number is to the left of another, it is smaller.

if a number is to the right of another, it is greater.

As you move from left to right, the numbers get larger

See this animation:

As you move from right to left, the numbers get smaller

See this animation: