CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.7d
The standard
Distinguish comparisons of absolute value from statements about order.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
What this standard means
Students need to compare signed numbers and also compare their distances from zero. They should understand that greater value on a number line is not the same as greater absolute value. For example, -50 is less than -30, but its distance from zero is greater.
Mastery looks like students explaining both ideas in words, symbols, and number line models. They can say which number is greater and which has the greater absolute value. Students often mix up "greater debt" with "greater number," or think absolute value always means the number becomes positive and nothing else matters.
Ways to teach it
- Have students place integer cards on a floor number line, then sort the same cards by distance from zero using string lengths.
- Ask students to explain: "Which is greater, -8 or -3, and which has the greater absolute value?"
- Give four pairs of numbers and have students mark O for order comparison and A for absolute value comparison.
- Use bank account balances like -$12 and -$45 to discuss which balance is lower and which debt is larger.
Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.7d
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Related standards
- 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.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.7
Understand ordering and absolute value of rational numbers.
- CCSS.Math.Content.K.MD.A.2
Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common, to see which object has "more of"/"less of" the attribute, and describe the difference.