Absolute Value vs. Order

Grade 6 Math · Unit 0 · Standard 6.NOS.C.8.c
Name: ______________________________Date: ____________

Goal: I can tell the difference between comparing absolute values (size/distance from 0) and comparing the actual order of two numbers.

  1. Evaluate: |−7| =
  2. Which number is GREATER: −7 or −2 ?
    A. −7
    B. −2
  3. Which number has the GREATER ABSOLUTE VALUE: −7 or −2 ?
    A. −7
    B. −2
  4. A debt of $45 (−45) vs a debt of $20 (−20): who OWES more?
    A. the $45 debt
    B. the $20 debt
  5. True or False: If a < b then |a| < |b| is always true.
    A. True
    B. False
  6. Exit ticket. Diver A is at −40 ft and Diver B is at −25 ft. Write one sentence comparing their positions (order) and one sentence comparing their depths (absolute value).
Teacher answer key — remove before copying

Answer key

  1. 1. 7
  2. 2. −2
  3. 3. −7
  4. 4. the $45 debt
  5. 5. False
  6. Exit ticket: answers will vary — look for correct reasoning about 6.NOS.C.8.c (see the worked example and teaching tip).