6. Understand a rational number as a point on the number line. Extend number line diagrams and coordinate axes familiar from previous grades to represent points on the line and in the plane with negative number coordinates.

Explaining concepts with only words tends to confuse students. Even more so when the words are in Klingon. (mIS, HIja'?) But the point stands that using visuals really helps clarify things, and negative numbers are no different.

To satisfy this standard, students have to get better acquainted with the number line and the coordinate plane: the two main visual representations of negative numbers. They'll have to identify numbers that are opposites of each other, recognize what reflections across axes do to coordinates on the Cartesian plane, and plot enough points to start a Connect-the-Dots business from the comfort of their own home.

Standard Components

• CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.6a
• CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.6.b
• CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.6.c