Which Number Is Greater? Reading Position on the Number Line
I can use a number line to tell which of two numbers is greater — and explain why.
📘 Word Bank + Sentence Frames
greater than (>) less than (<) to the right to the left number line negative number
The big idea: On a number line, the number farther to the right is always greater.
- "____ is to the right of ____, so ____ > ____."
- "____ is to the left of ____, so ____ < ____."
👀 See It: A Worked Example
Compare −3 and −7. Find both on the line:
−3 is to the right of −7, so −3 > −7. Even though 7 looks "bigger," −7 is colder / lower / smaller because it sits farther left.
✏️ Your Turn — Check Your Thinking
0 of 3 checks complete
1. On a number line, which number is greater: −2 or −9?
2. Fill the frame: "5 is to the right of 1, so 5 ___ 1."
3. Which statement is true?
💬 Explain Your Thinking
Finish the sentence in your own words:
"To tell which number is greater, I look for the number that is farther to the blank, because blank."