Cogito
Grade 6 Math · Chapter 4 · Lesson 2
Absolute Value
Distance from zero, with no direction.
10 problems · about 16 minutes · 6.NS.C.7
What this lesson teaches
The child understands absolute value as distance from zero and tells it apart from order.
- Absolute value is distance from zero.
- It is never negative.
- A bigger absolute value does not mean a bigger number.
Warm-Up Review
From earlier lessons. Loosen up before the new work.
2 problemsReview — Numbers Below Zero: Which is smaller, −11 or −4?
Answer −11.
Why −11 is smaller, even though 11 beats 4.
Review — Pulling Out a Common Factor: Greatest common factor of 16 and 24?
Answer 8
Why 8.
Warm Up
Straightforward practice. Get the method working first.
4 problemsWhat is |−20|?
Answer 20
Why 20.
Can an absolute value be negative?
Answer No. It is a distance.
Why A distance is never negative.
What is |−7|?
Answer 7
Why Distance.
What is |12|?
Answer 12
Why Already positive.
Build It Up
The same ideas with more to keep track of.
2 problemsHow far apart are −6 and 2?
Answer 8
Why 6 + 2.
Which has the bigger absolute value, −8 or 3?
Answer −8.
Why 8 against 3.
Stretch Yourself
Mixed problems. Work out what kind of question it is before you start.
2 problemsThe Distance: What is |−15|?
Answer 15
Why 15.
The Gap: How far apart are −3 and 5 on the number line?
Answer 8
Why 8.