Cogito
Grade 6 Math · Chapter 4 · Lesson 1
Numbers Below Zero
Zero is a starting point, not the end of the line.
10 problems · about 17 minutes · 6.NS.C.5, 6.NS.C.6, 6.NS.C.7
What this lesson teaches
The child understands positive and negative numbers as opposite directions from zero and orders them.
- Negative numbers are on the other side of zero.
- Opposites are the same distance from zero, in opposite directions.
- Further left on the line always means smaller.
Warm-Up Review
From earlier lessons. Loosen up before the new work.
2 problemsReview — Pulling Out a Common Factor: Greatest common factor of 16 and 24?
Answer 8
Why 8.
Review — Adding and Subtracting Decimals: 6.4 + 2.75 = ?
Answer 9.15
Why 9.15.
Warm Up
Straightforward practice. Get the method working first.
4 problemsWhich is smaller, −11 or −4?
Answer −11.
Why −11 is smaller, even though 11 beats 4.
What does the minus sign in −5 say?
Answer Which side of zero it is on.
Why It marks direction from zero.
Which is smaller, −6 or −2?
Answer −6.
Why Further left.
What is the opposite of 12?
Answer -12
Why Other side of zero.
Build It Up
The same ideas with more to keep track of.
2 problemsWhich is smaller, −1 or 0?
Answer −1.
Why Below zero.
How far is −7 from zero?
Answer 7
Why Distance is never negative.
Stretch Yourself
Mixed problems. Work out what kind of question it is before you start.
2 problemsThe Opposite: What is the opposite of −8?
Answer 8
Why 8.
The Colder Day: Which is colder, −4 degrees or −9 degrees?
Answer −9 degrees.
Why −9 is smaller, so colder.