Before You Read

Key Words

integer — a whole number that can be positive, negative, or zero: …−2, −1, 0, 1, 2…

negative number — a number less than zero, like −20 (below sea level).

absolute value — the distance from zero, always positive. |−20| = 20.

opposite — the same distance from 0 on the other side. The opposite of −8 is 8.

compare — decide which is greater. On a number line, left is less.

sea level — zero. Above is positive; below is negative.

Part 1 — Below Sea Level (Integers)

Captain Mia's submarine dove to 20 feet below sea level. On a number line, sea level is 0, and below is negative.

20 feet below sea level is written as the integer −20.

Check Your Reading — Q1

Why is the depth written as a negative integer?

Solve It — #1

Write "15 feet below sea level" as an integer.

Integer:

Part 2 — Distance from the Surface (Absolute Value)

"How far are we from the surface?" asked the crew. Distance is always positive — that is the absolute value. The sub was at −45 feet.

|−45| = 45 feet from the surface. (Absolute value ignores the sign; it is just the distance from 0.)

Check Your Reading — Q2

What does absolute value measure?

Solve It — #2

Find |−18| (the distance of −18 from zero).

|−18| =

Part 3 — Which Is Deeper? (Comparing)

Two subs reported depths: −3 and −7. "Which is deeper?" On a number line, the number farther left is less, so −7 is less than −3 — and deeper.

−7 < −3. The more negative number is lower (deeper).

Solve It — #3

Order these from least to greatest and type the least: −5, 2, −1.

Least value:

Part 4 — Opposites

The sub at −8 feet rose to its opposite position: +8 feet (above the surface, like a periscope tower). Opposites are the same distance from 0 but on different sides.

The opposite of −8 is 8. The opposite of 8 is −8.

Solve It — #4

What is the opposite of 6?

Opposite:

After You Read — Write About It

Explain the Math in the Story

Level 1 — Beginner (finish each sentence):

A depth below sea level is written as a ______ number.
Absolute value tells me the ______ from zero.
The opposite of −8 is ______.

Level 2 — Intermediate (use these to start):

Integers helped Captain Mia because ______.
−7 is less than −3 because ______.
I see negative numbers in real life when ______.

Write your answer here:

How You Are Scored

Rubric

Category	4 — Strong	3 — Proficient	2 — Developing
Reading comprehension	Both reading questions correct with details	1 correct	Attempts an answer
Math (Solve It)	All 4 answers correct (integer, absolute value, compare, opposite)	3 correct	2 correct
Writing	Explains integers using vocabulary (negative, absolute value, opposite)	Uses some vocabulary	Begins with a starter