Ordering and Absolute Value
Aligned to 6.NS.C.7 — Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
What this lesson teaches
On a number line, a number is greater when it sits farther to the right. Absolute value is the distance from zero, always positive — so a number can be small in value but large in absolute value.
Worked examples
Example 1
Compare −8 and −3: since −3 is to the right, −3 > −8. But |−8| = 8 and |−3| = 3, so −8 is actually farther from zero.
Example 2
Order −2, 5, −9, 0 from least to greatest: −9, −2, 0, 5. On the number line, further left is always less.
Example 3
A debt of $50 is a bigger debt than $20, but −50 < −20. Absolute value describes the size; the sign describes the direction.
Practice questions
- Which is greater, −5 or −2? Write it with < or >.
- Find |−12| and |7|.
- A bank balance of −45 dollars means a bigger debt than −30 dollars. Explain using absolute value.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Orden y Valor Absoluto
En una recta numérica, un número es mayor cuando está más a la derecha. El valor absoluto es la distancia al cero, siempre positivo, así que un número puede ser bajo en valor pero grande en valor absoluto.
Ejemplo 1: Compara −8 y −3: como −3 está más a la derecha, −3 > −8. Pero |−8| = 8 y |−3| = 3, así que −8 en realidad está más lejos del cero.
Ejemplo 2: Ordena −2, 5, −9, 0 de menor a mayor: −9, −2, 0, 5. En la recta numérica, más a la izquierda siempre es menor.
Ejemplo 3: Una deuda de $50 es mayor que una de $20, pero −50 < −20. El valor absoluto describe el tamaño; el signo describe la dirección.
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