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Year 5

Explain how the value of a number relates to its position from zero

I can explain how the value of a number relates to its position from zero.

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New
New
Year 5

Explain how the value of a number relates to its position from zero

I can explain how the value of a number relates to its position from zero.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Negative numbers are below zero on a vertical scale
  2. Negative numbers are to the left of zero on a horizontal scale

Common misconception

When comparing a pair of numbers such as 3 and −3, pupils may think they are of equal value.

Use of number lines, ideally displayed in the classroom, will help pupils to see that numbers increase in value the further right they are.

Keywords

  • Scale - A scale is a number line with equal divisions for equal values.

  • Horizontal - A horizontal line goes side to side, like the horizon

Allow pupils to physically rotate vertical number lines such as thermometers until they are horizontal to allow them to see the direct link between vertical and horizontal number lines.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Tick all of the statements which are true.
Correct answer: 15.6 is greater than 9.2
Correct answer: 9.2 is less than 15.6
15.6 < 9.2
9.2 > 15.6
Correct answer: 9.2 < 15.6
Q2.
Which of these statements describe the thermometer?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: It is a negative value.
Correct answer: It is below zero.
Correct answer: It is less than zero.
Correct answer: It shows −28
It shows −32
Q3.
In a building with below-ground floors, which of these floors would be in between −2 and −5?
−1
Correct answer: −4
0
Correct answer: −3
−36
Q4.
Laura uses the lift to go to the second floor below the ground. Use the negative symbol to write the number of the floor.
Correct Answer: -2, - 2
Q5.
Order these elevations from highest to lowest.
1 - 25 m
2 - 10 m
3 - 0 m
4 - -20 m
5 - -21 m
Q6.
What is the value being shown on the thermometer? ℃
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: -25, - 25, minus 25, negative 25, - twenty five

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keyword with the definition.
Correct Answer:scale,a number line with equal divisions or values

a number line with equal divisions or values

Correct Answer:horizontal,a line that goes side to side, like the horizon

a line that goes side to side, like the horizon

Correct Answer:positive,values greater than zero

values greater than zero

Correct Answer:negative,values less than zero

values less than zero

Q2.
Which of these numbers would appear to the left of zero on a horizontal number line?
Correct answer: −12
0
Correct answer: −500
30
Correct answer: −1
Q3.
Describe the distances of −5 and 10 on a number line. Tick all options that apply.
Correct answer: −5 is closer to zero.
10 is closer to zero.
−5 is further from zero.
Correct answer: 10 is further from zero.
They are the same distance from zero.
Q4.
Describe the distances of 10 and −10 on a number line.
−10 is closer to zero.
10 is closer to zero.
−10 is further from zero.
10 is further from zero.
Correct answer: They are the same distance from zero.
Q5.
Order the following values as they would appear on a horizontal number line, from left to right.
1 - −60
2 - −6
3 - −1
4 - 0
5 - 1
Q6.
Tick all the statements which are true.
−1 > 1
Correct answer: −1 < 1
−1 = 1
−8 > −5
Correct answer: −5 > −8

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