CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C
Standard Cluster
Apply and extend previous understandings of numbers to the system of rational numbers.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
Cluster contents
Standards in This Cluster
CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C is a cluster heading. These are the individual standards under it.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.5
Understand that positive and negative numbers are used together to describe quantities having opposite directions or values (e.g., temperature above/below zero,...
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.6
Understand a rational number as a point on the number line. Extend number line diagrams and coordinate axes familiar from previous grades to represent points on...
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.6a
Recognize opposite signs of numbers as indicating locations on opposite sides of 0 on the number line; recognize that the opposite of the opposite of a number i...
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.6b
Understand signs of numbers in ordered pairs as indicating locations in quadrants of the coordinate plane; recognize that when two ordered pairs differ only by ...
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.6c
Find and position integers and other rational numbers on a horizontal or vertical number line diagram; find and position pairs of integers and other rational nu...
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.7
Understand ordering and absolute value of rational numbers.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.7a
Interpret statements of inequality as statements about the relative position of two numbers on a number line diagram.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.7b
Write, interpret, and explain statements of order for rational numbers in real-world contexts.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.7c
Understand the absolute value of a rational number as its distance from 0 on the number line; interpret absolute value as magnitude for a positive or negative q...
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.7d
Distinguish comparisons of absolute value from statements about order.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.8
Solve real-world and mathematical problems by graphing points in all four quadrants of the coordinate plane. Include use of coordinates and absolute value to fi...
Teacher's field guide
What This Cluster Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students work with positive and negative whole numbers, fractions, and decimals on number lines and coordinate planes. They compare values, use absolute value, and interpret signs in real situations.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students accurately plot, compare, and order positive and negative rational numbers. They explain signs and absolute value in context and locate ordered pairs in all four quadrants.
Common Misconceptions
- Students often think a number farther left is greater because its digits are larger, such as claiming −8 > −3. They may also confuse absolute value with opposites or reverse coordinates when plotting ordered pairs.
How to Assess It
- Give students −2.5, 1/2, −1, and 3. Ask them to order the numbers, plot them, and explain which is farthest from zero.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Place integer and fraction cards on a taped floor number line, then have students justify each card’s position and distance from zero.
Ask students to explain why −7 is less than −2 even though 7 is greater than 2.
Play coordinate bingo using ordered pairs from all four quadrants, with students plotting each call before marking their boards.
Compare temperatures, elevations, and account balances, then write rational numbers that represent each situation.
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Printable 6.NS.C Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.7.NS.A.1
Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction to add and subtract rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or...
- CCSS.Math.Content.HSN-RN.B
Use properties of rational and irrational numbers.
- CCSS.Math.Content.7.NS.A.2
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division and of fractions to multiply and divide rational numbers.
- CCSS.Math.Content.7.NS.A
Apply and extend previous understandings of operations with fractions to add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers.
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