Cogito
Grade 6 Math · Chapter 4 · Lesson 5
Ordering Negative Numbers
Further left is always smaller.
10 problems · about 17 minutes · 6.NS.C.7
What this lesson teaches
The child orders positive and negative rational numbers and interprets the order in context.
- Further left on the number line means smaller.
- −8 is less than −3, even though 8 is more than 3.
- Every negative is less than every positive.
Warm-Up Review
From earlier lessons. Loosen up before the new work.
3 problemsReview — Opposites: What is −(−8)?
Answer 8
Why 8.
Review — All Four Quadrants: How far is it from (−3, 4) to (6, 4)?
Answer 9
Why 9 units.
Review — Absolute Value: What is |−20|?
Answer 20
Why 20.
Warm Up
Straightforward practice. Get the method working first.
3 problemsWhich is smaller, −7 or −4?
Answer -7
Why −7.
Which is smaller, −5 or −1?
Answer -5
Why Further left.
Which is smaller, −3 or 2?
Answer -3
Why Negatives are left of zero.
Build It Up
The same ideas with more to keep track of.
2 problemsWhich is larger, −9 or −10?
Answer -9
Why Closer to zero from the left.
Is every negative number less than every positive number?
Answer Yes.
Why Zero sits between them.
Stretch Yourself
Mixed problems. Work out what kind of question it is before you start.
2 problemsThe Cold Morning: Which is colder, −6 °C or −2 °C? Give the number.
Answer -6
Why −6 °C.
The Bank: Which balance is worse, −£15 or −£9? Give the number.
Answer -15
Why −15.