Negative numbers are really important when we talk about integers. Let’s look at why:

1. Real-Life Uses: Negative numbers help us understand things like temperatures that go below zero, debts we owe, or places that are below sea level.

2. Number Line: They make our number line bigger, which helps us see and understand math calculations better.

3. Math Operations: When we add or subtract numbers, it’s key to know how to work with negative numbers. For example, $3 + (-5) = -2$. This shows us how to think about losing values.

In short, understanding negative numbers is a great start for learning more complicated math concepts!