CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.7d
The Standard
Distinguish comparisons of absolute value from statements about order.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare rational numbers by their positions on a number line and compare absolute values by distance from zero. They explain how number order and size of magnitude can give different comparisons.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can state that -40 is less than -25 while the absolute value of -40 is greater than the absolute value of -25. They can connect each comparison to distance from zero and to a real situation.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may treat absolute value as the number's order value, so they claim -40 is greater than -25 because 40 is greater than 25. They may also read a more negative balance as a smaller debt instead of a larger amount owed.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Account A has a balance of -$45 and Account B has -$20. Which balance is greater, and which debt is greater? Explain.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Place integer cards on a floor number line, then pair cards with equal distances from zero and compare their values.
Discuss: “Which is greater, -8 or -3, and which has greater absolute value?” Require students to explain both answers.
Play a card sort matching comparison statements, absolute value statements, and debt or temperature situations.
Compare bank balances of -$12 and -$35, then explain who owes more and whose balance is greater.
Free download
Printable 6.NS.C.7d Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.7d, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
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Where This Standard Sits
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.7c
Students must know absolute value as distance from zero to separate magnitude comparisons from left-right order on the number line.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.7a
Number line inequality meanings support seeing why farther from zero can differ from being greater or less.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.6c
Placing rational numbers on number lines supports seeing order by position and absolute value as distance from zero.
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