Number lines

Locate and identify whole numbers on a number line.

Objective

Locate and identify whole numbers on a number line.

What it means

A number line is a straight line with numbers placed in order at equal distances, used to show where a number is.

Key terms

number line
a line showing numbers in order at equal spaces
point
a mark on the number line showing a number's location

Rules to remember

  • Numbers increase from left to right.
  • Equal spaces between marks represent equal jumps.

Step by step

  1. 1Find the spacingLook at two labeled points to see how much each space is worth.
  2. 2Count spacesCount spaces from a known point to find the marked value.

Common mistakes

  • Counting the starting point as a space.
  • Confusing 'before' (left) with 'after' (right).

Tips

  • Numbers get bigger moving right, smaller moving left.
  • Count the spaces, not the marks.