Virginia SOL 7.NS.2.a
The Standard
Use multiple strategies (e.g., benchmarks, number line, equivalency) to compare (using symbols <, >, =) and order (a set of no more than four) rational numbers expressed as integers, fractions (proper or improper), mixed numbers, decimals, and percents. Fractions and mixed numbers may be positive or negative. Decimals may be positive or negative and are limited to the thousandths place. Ordering may be in ascending or descending order. Justify solutions orally, in writing or with a model.*
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will reason and use multiple strategies to compare and order rational numbers.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare rational numbers written as integers, fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, and percents. They order up to four values and justify their choices using equivalent forms, benchmarks, or number lines.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student accurately compares and orders up to four values, including positive and negative forms. The student uses correct symbols and explains the order with benchmarks, a number line, or equivalent forms.
Common Misconceptions
- Students often compare digits without first using equivalent forms, so they may think 0.45 is greater than 50%. They may also reverse comparisons with negative numbers or misread a negative mixed number.
How to Assess It
- Ask students to order -1 1/4, -1.2, -125%, and -6/5 from least to greatest using symbols. Require a number line or equivalent forms as justification.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Have students place fraction, decimal, percent, and mixed-number cards on a masking-tape number line, then explain each placement.
Ask, “Which is greater, -0.6 or -5/8?” Students write two different justifications and compare methods with a partner.
Play Rational Number War with representation cards, awarding each round only when the winner states the correct comparison symbol and explains it.
Give four same-price store discounts written as fractions, decimals, and percents, then have students rank the savings from least to greatest.
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Printable 7.NS.2.a Worksheet
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- 6.NS.1.e
Use multiple strategies (e.g., benchmarks, number line, equivalency) to compare and order no more than four positive rational numbers expressed as fractions (pr...
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Compare using symbols (<, >, =) and/or words (greater than, less than, equal to) and order (least to greatest and greatest to least), a set of no more than four...
- 8.NS.1.c
Use multiple strategies (e.g., benchmarks, number line, equivalency) to compare and order no more than five real numbers expressed as integers, fractions (prope...
- 5.NS.1.d
Compare (using symbols <, >, =) and order (least to greatest and greatest to least) a set of no more than four decimals and fractions (proper, improper) and/or ...
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