Hi Don:
ALL negative numbers are smaller than zero. Hence, all negative numbers are also smaller than any positive number.
EGs:
-2500 is smaller than 2500
-49999 is smaller than 4
-1000000000 is smaller than 10
Have you yet learned about the Real number line? Numbers get smaller as you move to the left.
Pick any number on the Real number line. All of the numbers to the left of it are smaller, and all of the numbers to the right of it are larger.
I hope this information is clear; if you're still uncertain, please let us know. Cheers :cool: