6.2.D

Math6th Grade

The Standard

order a set of rational numbers arising from mathematical and real-world contexts

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Students compare positive and negative integers, fractions, decimals, and mixed numbers. They use number lines, benchmarks, or equivalent forms to arrange values in either direction.

What Mastery Looks Like

A student accurately orders values when forms are mixed and several values are negative. The student justifies placements by converting forms or locating values on a number line.

Common Misconceptions

Students often think a negative number with larger digits is greater, so they place -8 above -3. They may compare fraction parts separately or claim 0.4 is greater than 1/2 because 4 is greater than 1.

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: Order -1.4, -3/2, 0.25, -1, and 2/5 from least to greatest. Explain one comparison using equivalent forms or a number line.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Give pairs fraction, decimal, and integer cards to place on a taped floor number line, then check positions with benchmarks.

  2. Ask, “Which is greater, -0.6 or -2/3?” Students write a claim using a number line or equivalent form as evidence.

  3. Play Rational Number War with card pairs, awarding each round to the player who identifies the greater value and explains why.

  4. Post five city temperatures, bank balances, or elevations, then have students arrange them from lowest to highest and describe the extremes.

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