The number "-8" is a negative integer that represents a value eight units less than zero. In mathematics, negative numbers are used to indicate values below zero, often in contexts such as temperature, debt, or loss. In the number line, "-8" is located to the left of zero, indicating it is less than all positive numbers. It can also be used in various mathematical operations, such as addition and subtraction, where it can affect the outcome of calculations involving other integers, including positive numbers like 5 or other negative numbers like -3.