Warm-Up 1
Day 3: Rational Numbers
Compare and order rational numbers, including fractions, decimals, negatives, and absolute value.
Student Goal
I can compare and work with rational numbers in different forms.
Why It Matters
Rational numbers appear throughout 7th grade math, especially when students solve real-world problems with decimals, fractions, and negative values.
Warm-Up
Warm-Up 2
What is | -6 |?
Warm-Up 3
Which is equal to 3/4?
Short Lesson
Standard Focus
NC.7.NS: The Number System
Student-Friendly Standard Goal
I can compare rational numbers and use number sense to explain their size.
- A rational number can be written as a fraction. This includes many decimals, fractions, whole numbers, and negative numbers.
- A number line helps compare rational numbers because numbers farther right are greater.
- Absolute value is distance from zero, so it is never negative.
Guided Examples
Guided Example 1
Order Rational Numbers
Order these numbers from least to greatest: -1.5, -1/2, and 0.25.
Step 1
-1/2 = -0.5
Why convert -1/2 to -0.5?
Guided Example 2
Use Absolute Value
A hiker is at -12 feet compared to sea level. What is the hiker's distance from sea level?
Step 1
| -12 |
What does absolute value measure?
Practice
Problem 1
Which number is least?
Problem 2
Find | -9 |.
Problem 3
Which is greater: 2/3 or 0.5?
Problem 4
True or false: -1.2 is greater than -0.4.
Problem 5
A diver is at -18 feet. A swimmer is at -5 feet. Who is closer to the surface?
Reflection
How are you feeling about today's skill?
Optional reflection: What helps you compare numbers that are written in different forms?