Temperature on a number line

Grade 6 mathematics · 15 minutes · Rational numbers

Order signed numbers and distinguish value from distance to zero.

Classroom activity

Four weather stations report −6°C, 2°C, −1°C, and 0°C.

1. Draw a number line from −8 to 4 and mark the readings.
2. Order the temperatures from coldest to warmest.
3. Which reading is farthest from zero? Which is greatest? Explain why these are different questions.
4. Mark 6°C. Compare the distance from zero of −6 and 6, then compare their values.

Ask a partner to justify one comparison using the positions on the number line.

Check understanding

Which is greater, −3.5 or −2? Which has the greater absolute value? Explain both answers.

Teacher guide and answers

The order is −6, −1, 0, 2. −6 is farthest from zero while 2 is greatest. −6 and 6 each have absolute value 6, but 6 is greater. In the check, −2 is greater and −3.5 has greater absolute value. Support by moving right to increase value. Avoid interpreting a larger absolute value as always a larger number.

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Grade 6 topic reference. Confirm your adopted standards; topic guidance does not certify alignment.