A number line keeps numbers in perfect order — use it to compare and find differences!
A NUMBER LINE is a straight line with numbers placed at equal intervals. Numbers get BIGGER as you move right and SMALLER as you move left. We use number lines to compare numbers, add, subtract, and show where fractions live.
A number line from 0 to 10:
Each step moves 1 unit. Moving right = bigger numbers. Moving left = smaller numbers.
0──1──2──3──4──5──6──7──8──9──10
↑ ↑
4 7
7 is to the RIGHT of 4, so 7 > 4.
4 is to the LEFT of 7, so 4 < 7.How to use a number line to compare numbers:
Start at 23. Jump 15 steps to the right. → Land at 23 + 15 = 38! Start at 50. Jump 18 steps to the left. → Land at 50 − 18 = 32!
On a number line, which number is GREATER — the one to the left or the one to the right?
Remember This!
Use a number line as a "subtraction road": start at the bigger number and jump LEFT by the smaller number. Where you land is the answer!