Unit Plan 24 (Grade 6 Math): Ordering Rational Numbers & Absolute Value Review

Focus: Compare/order rational numbers; reason about magnitude vs order; graph points and interpret distances on the coordinate plane.

Grade Level: 6

Subject Area: Mathematics (The Number System — Rational Numbers, Absolute Value, Coordinates)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

This week tightens students’ control over rational numbers (positive/negative fractions and decimals). Learners locate values on number lines, compare and order, and use absolute value as distance from 0. They extend to all four quadrants, plotting points and finding distances along horizontal/vertical segments. Core idea: magnitude (how far) is different from order (which direction).

Essential Questions

• How do I decide where a rational number belongs on a number line (and in which direction)?
• What’s the difference between a number’s value (order on the line) and its absolute value (distance from 0)?
• How can I justify that one rational number is greater than another?
• How do I use coordinates to describe location and calculate distance on a grid?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Place rational numbers (fractions/decimals, positive/negative) on a number line and explain opposites (same distance, opposite direction).
2. Compare and order rational numbers using number lines, benchmark values, and equivalent forms (fraction/decimal).
3. Use absolute value to describe magnitude and interpret statements in context (temperature, elevation, gains/losses, debts/credits).
4. Graph points in all four quadrants and find distances between points that share a first or second coordinate (horizontal/vertical).
5. Communicate reasoning with symbols (>, <, =), units, and clear explanations.

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 6

• 6.NS.6a–c: Understand positive/negative on number line; locate/position integers and other rational numbers; understand opposites and ordered pairs as positions in quadrants.
• 6.NS.7a–d: Order rational numbers; interpret statements of inequality; understand absolute value as distance from 0; interpret absolute value in context and distinguish it from order.
• 6.NS.8: Solve problems by graphing points in all four quadrants; find distances between points with the same first or second coordinate.
• Mathematical Practices emphasized: MP.1 (make sense), MP.2 (quantitative reasoning), MP.3 (justify), MP.6 (precision), MP.7 (structure).

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can place a rational number on a number line and explain its sign and distance from 0.
• I can compare two rational numbers and prove which is bigger using a diagram or a benchmark.
• I can use absolute value to talk about how far, and I know that doesn’t tell me which side of 0.
• I can plot points in all four quadrants and find distance when points share an x or y value.
• I write clear comparison statements with symbols and units (when there’s context).