Montana Math MT.7.NS.1
The Standard
Add and subtract rational numbers, represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number line diagram, and understand subtraction as adding the additive inverse p − q = p + (−q).
2026 Montana Mathematics Content Standards
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students add and subtract positive and negative integers, fractions, and decimals. They show the calculations on horizontal and vertical number lines. They rewrite subtraction as adding the opposite.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given −1/2 − 3/4, a student writes −1/2 + (−3/4) and lands at −1 1/4 on a number line. They can explain why subtracting a negative moves the result right or up.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may move left when subtracting a negative. They may space halves and quarters equally on a number line or lose a negative sign when rewriting subtraction as addition.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Rewrite −1/2 − 3/4 as addition, draw a horizontal number line to show it, and give the answer.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Tape a horizontal number line in quarter units on the floor, then have students walk through −1/2 − 3/4.
Have partners draw arrows to explain why 2 − (−3) equals 2 + 3.
Give pairs subtraction cards; one student rewrites each problem as addition while the other plots it, then they swap roles.
Mark sea level as zero on a vertical number line, then calculate the elevation change from −20 feet to 15 feet.
Free download
Printable MT.7.NS.1 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to MT.7.NS.1, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetKeep exploring
Related Standards
- MT.2.NBT.9
Understand and make connections between different strategies for addition and subtraction.
- MT.6.NS.7
Understand ordering and absolute value of rational numbers by: Interpreting statements of inequality as statements about the relative position of two numbers on...
- MT.6.NS.6
Understand a rational number as a point on the number line and extend number line diagrams and coordinate axes by: Recognizing opposite signs of numbers as indi...
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.
Also for this standard:Make a WorksheetMake a QuizMake a Sub Lesson