Georgia 6.NR.3.6
The Standard
Distinguish comparisons of absolute value from statements about order.
Georgia's K-12 Mathematics Standards · Solve a variety of problems involving whole numbers and their opposites; model rational numbers on a number line to describe problems presented in relevant, mathematical situations.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students decide whether a claim concerns distance from zero or position on the number line. They use symbols and words to show that these comparisons can give different results.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can compare two signed numbers, then compare their distances from zero. They use a number line to explain why -8 < -3 while |-8| > |-3|.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think the number with the greater absolute value is always the greater number. They may also treat absolute value as negative or assume |a| < |b| means a < b.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Complete -7 __ -2 and |-7| __ |-2| with <, >, or =. Write one sentence explaining why the symbols differ.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs integer cards and a floor number line; students place each card, then compare both position and distance from zero.
Ask students to explain which is greater, -9 or -4, and which has greater absolute value, using a number-line sketch.
Play Match the Claim: students pair cards such as -6 < -2 with cards such as |-6| > |-2|.
Compare temperatures of -10°C and -3°C, then discuss which is warmer and which is farther from 0°C.
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Related Standards
- 6.NR.3.5
Explain the absolute value of a rational number as its distance from zero on the number line; interpret absolute value as distance for a positive or negative qu...
- K.MDR.7.1
Directly compare, describe, and order common objects, using measurable attributes (length, height, width, or weight) and describe the difference.
- 2.NR.1.3
Represent, compare, and order whole numbers to 1000 with an emphasis on place value and equality. Use >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
- 4.NR.1.3
Use place value reasoning to represent, compare, and order multi-digit numbers, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
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