Rational Numbers

Type of Unit: Concept

Prior Knowledge

Students should be able to:

Solve problems with positive rational numbers.
Plot positive rational numbers on a number line.
Understand the equal sign.
Use the greater than and less than symbols with positive numbers (not variables) and understand their relative positions on a number line.
Recognize the first quadrant of the coordinate plane.

Lesson Flow

The first part of this unit builds on the prerequisite skills needed to develop the concept of negative numbers, the opposites of numbers, and absolute value. The unit starts with a real-world application that uses negative numbers so that students understand the need for them. The unit then introduces the idea of the opposite of a number and its absolute value and compares the difference in the definitions. The number line and positions of numbers on the number line is at the heart of the unit, including comparing positions with less than or greater than symbols.

The second part of the unit deals with the coordinate plane and extends student knowledge to all four quadrants. Students graph geometric figures on the coordinate plane and do initial calculations of distances that are a straight line. Students conclude the unit by investigating the reflections of figures across the x- and y-axes on the coordinate plane.

Students revise their work on the Self Check based on feedback from the teacher and their peers.Key ConceptsConcepts from previous lessons are integrated into this assessment task: integers, absolute value, and comparing numbers. Students apply their knowledge, review their work, and make revisions based on feedback from the teacher and their peers. This process creates a deeper understanding of the concepts.Goals and Learning ObjectivesApply your knowledge of integers, absolute value, and comparing numbers to solve problems.Track and review your choice of strategy when problem solving.

This counting activity is done in pairs and helps reinforce the concepts of greater than, less than, and equal to.

Learn about comparing numbers in this fun clip from the Odd Squad. On Christmas Eve, Ms. O finds out that she is still on Santa's naughty list.

Learn about comparing numbers in this fun clip from the Odd Squad. Ms. O desperately wants to get back on Santa's nice list before Christmas. With a little help from Oscar, will she get there in time?

Oscar shows us how to use greater than (>) and less than (<) symbols as we explore what goes on in the North Control Room.

Help Sharky and Ducky compare numbers in this inequalities game practicing greater than, less than, and equals.

Download these free worksheets to sharpen your math skills. These St. Patrick's Day math worksheets focus on topics such as patterning, comparing numbers, counting, word problems, addition, multiplication, and mixed operations.

The purpose of this task is for students to explain how they know one quantity is greater or less than another quantity. Students will easily be able to identify which number is greater or less. However, explaining their reasoning will help them solidify their number sense skills.