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Unit 05 · Rational Numbers and CoordinatesLesson

Day 066Comparing Negative Values

LearnClassworkAnswer keyPDF packet ↗
Standards 6.NS.C.7a6.NS.C.7b
LEARNING TARGET

I can order rational numbers using their positions.

01 · LEARN

Build the idea

A number farther right is greater. Among negative numbers, the value closer to zero is greater. Use a common denominator or familiar benchmarks to compare negative fractions.

WORKED EXAMPLE 1

Compare -8 ___ -4 using <, >, or =. Sketch a number line to justify.

<

-8 < -4; greater numbers lie farther right.

WORKED EXAMPLE 2

Temperatures are -1/2°C and -7/4°C. Write an inequality comparing them and explain which is warmer.

-1/2 > -7/4; -1/2°C is warmer

The greater value is farther right on a number line, even when both are negative.

02 · PRACTICE

Your turn

Work in order. Start with the foundations, then build toward explanation and application.

  1. Compare -8 ___ -7 using <, >, or =. Sketch a number line to justify.

  2. Compare -5 ___ -6 using <, >, or =. Sketch a number line to justify.

  3. Compare -5 ___ -4 using <, >, or =. Sketch a number line to justify.

  4. Compare -1 ___ -7/10 using <, >, or =. Sketch a number line to justify.

  5. Compare -2 ___ -1 using <, >, or =. Sketch a number line to justify.

  6. Compare -5/4 ___ -1 using <, >, or =. Sketch a number line to justify.

  7. Temperatures are -3/10°C and -3/2°C. Write an inequality comparing them and explain which is warmer.

  8. Temperatures are -4/5°C and -1°C. Write an inequality comparing them and explain which is warmer.

  9. Temperatures are -6/5°C and -5/4°C. Write an inequality comparing them and explain which is warmer.

  10. Temperatures are -7/2°C and -7/2°C. Write an inequality comparing them and explain which is warmer.

03 · CHECK

Answers and reasoning

Reveal the teacher answer key
  1. <

    -8 < -7; greater numbers lie farther right.

  2. >

    -5 > -6; greater numbers lie farther right.

  3. <

    -5 < -4; greater numbers lie farther right.

  4. <

    -1 < -7/10; greater numbers lie farther right.

  5. <

    -2 < -1; greater numbers lie farther right.

  6. <

    -5/4 < -1; greater numbers lie farther right.

  7. -3/10 > -3/2; -3/10°C is warmer

    The greater value is farther right on a number line, even when both are negative.

  8. -4/5 > -1; -4/5°C is warmer

    The greater value is farther right on a number line, even when both are negative.

  9. -6/5 > -5/4; -6/5°C is warmer

    The greater value is farther right on a number line, even when both are negative.

  10. -7/2 = -7/2; equal temperatures

    The greater value is farther right on a number line, even when both are negative.

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