Rational Numbers

Lesson 4

Math

Unit 4

6th Grade

Lesson 4 of 13

Objective


Define opposites and label opposites on a number line. Recognize that zero is its own opposite.

Common Core Standards


Core Standards

  • 6.NS.C.6.A — Recognize opposite signs of numbers as indicating locations on opposite sides of 0 on the number line; recognize that the opposite of the opposite of a number is the number itself, e.g., -(-3) = 3, and that 0 is its own opposite.
  • 6.NS.C.6.B — Understand signs of numbers in ordered pairs as indicating locations in quadrants of the coordinate plane; recognize that when two ordered pairs differ only by signs, the locations of the points are related by reflections across one or both axes.

Criteria for Success


  1. Know that opposite numbers are located the same distance but on opposite sides from 0 on the number line.
  2. Know that 0 is its own opposite.
  3. Understand that the opposite of a number’s opposite is itself, or $${-(-a)=a}$$.
  4. Know that the “$$-$$“ sign can indicate the opposite of a number or a negative number; for example, $$-4$$ can be read as “the opposite of $$4$$” or as “negative $$4$$.”

Tips for Teachers


Encourage students to practice reading expressions out loud, for example: read $${-(-2)}$$ as the opposite of the opposite of $$2$$, or the opposite of negative $$2$$.

Lesson Materials

  • Patty paper (transparency paper) (2-3 sheets per student)
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Anchor Problems

25-30 minutes


Problem 1

Use the number line below to answer the questions that follow.

Numbers that are the same distance from 0 but on opposite sides of 0 are called “opposites.”

a.   Find 6 on the number line. What number is the same distance from 0 as 6?

b.   Find 3 on the number line. What number is the same distance from 0 as 3?

c.   Find 4.5 on the number line. What number is the same distance from 0 as 4.5?

d.   Find −7 on the number line. What number is the same distance from 0 as −7?

e.   What is the opposite of $$-2$$?

f.   What is the opposite of $$-2.25$$?

g.   What is the opposite of 0?

Guiding Questions

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Student Response

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Problem 2

The average temperature in Anchorage, Alaska, in February is 8 degrees below 0 on the Celsius scale. What integer represents the opposite of this temperature? Show the pair of opposites on a number line.

Guiding Questions

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Student Response

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Problem 3

What is the opposite of the opposite of 4? How can you show this on a number line?


 

Guiding Questions

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Student Response

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Problem Set

15-20 minutes


Give your students more opportunities to practice the skills in this lesson with a downloadable problem set aligned to the daily objective.

Target Task

5-10 minutes


Determine if each statement below is sometimes, always, or never true. Explain your reasoning for each statement.

a.   The opposite of a number is 0.

b.   The opposite of a negative number is positive.

c.   The opposite of the opposite of a positive number is negative.

d.   If two numbers are on opposite sides of 0, then they are opposites.

Student Response

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Additional Practice


The following resources include problems and activities aligned to the objective of the lesson that can be used for additional practice or to create your own problem set.

Next

Find and position integers and rational numbers on the number line.

Lesson 5
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Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Topic A: Understanding Positive and Negative Rational Numbers

Topic B: Order and Absolute Value

Topic C: Rational Numbers in the Coordinate Plane

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