Number Line Adventures: Adding and Subtracting Fun!

Math Grades 1st Grade 4:27 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to use number lines to solve addition and subtraction word problems. Join us on a fun adventure to master early math skills!

Video Resource

Adding and subtracting on number line word problems | Early Math | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 4:27
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Addition as moving to the right on a number line.
  • Subtraction as moving to the left on a number line.
  • Using a number line to solve word problems.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to use a number line to solve addition word problems.
  • Students will be able to use a number line to solve subtraction word problems.
  • Students will be able to identify the starting point and the direction to move on a number line based on the word problem.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about number lines. Explain that number lines can help us add and subtract. Show them a simple number line drawn on the board, and do a few basic addition/subtraction problems together to get them comfortable with the tool.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Adding and subtracting on number line word problems'. Ask students to pay attention to how the number line is used to solve the word problems. Pause at key points to ask clarifying questions.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through the examples from the video again, this time having students participate actively. Ask them to predict where the next jump on the number line will be, and explain why. Write out the number sentences along with the number line visualization (e.g. 30 + 4 = 34).
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with addition and subtraction word problems (worksheets or whiteboard). Have them draw their own number lines and solve the problems. Circulate to provide assistance and encouragement.
  • Wrap-up (3 mins)
    Review the key concepts. Ask students to share one thing they learned about using number lines to solve word problems.

Interactive Exercises

  • Number Line Hop
    Create a large number line on the floor with tape. Call out addition and subtraction problems, and have students physically hop along the number line to find the answer.
  • Word Problem Creation
    Have students create their own word problems that can be solved using a number line. They can then share their problems with a partner to solve.

Discussion Questions

  • How does the number line help us see addition and subtraction?
  • Why is it important to start at the correct number on the number line?
  • How can we tell if we need to add or subtract based on the word problem?

Skills Developed

  • Problem-solving
  • Number sense
  • Visual representation

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Lily has 5 apples. She gets 2 more. How many apples does she have? Start at 5, then move to the ______.

Correct Answer: Right 2

Question 2:

Tom has 8 cookies. He eats 3. How many cookies are left? Start at 8, then move to the ______.

Correct Answer: Left 3

Question 3:

What does adding mean on a number line?

Correct Answer: Moving right

Question 4:

What does subtracting mean on a number line?

Correct Answer: Moving left

Question 5:

Jill starts at 10. She jumps 4 to the right. Where does she end up?

Correct Answer: 14

Question 6:

Ben starts at 12. He jumps 2 to the left. Where does he end up?

Correct Answer: 10

Question 7:

Which way do you move on the number line when you get more?

Correct Answer: Right

Question 8:

Which way do you move on the number line when you lose some?

Correct Answer: Left

Question 9:

You have 6 toys and get 3 more. What number do you start on?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 10:

You have 9 balloons and give 4 away. What number do you start on?

Correct Answer: 9

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

When we add, we move to the ______ on the number line.

Correct Answer: right

Question 2:

When we subtract, we move to the ______ on the number line.

Correct Answer: left

Question 3:

If I start at 7 and move 3 to the right, I end up at ______.

Correct Answer: 10

Question 4:

If I start at 9 and move 2 to the left, I end up at ______.

Correct Answer: 7

Question 5:

Getting more means we should ______.

Correct Answer: add

Question 6:

Losing some means we should ______.

Correct Answer: subtract

Question 7:

A number line is a line with ______ on it.

Correct Answer: numbers

Question 8:

The first thing to do when using a number line is find your ______ number.

Correct Answer: starting

Question 9:

Moving to the right makes the number ______.

Correct Answer: bigger

Question 10:

Moving to the left makes the number ______.

Correct Answer: smaller

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.5:Relate counting to addition and subtraction (e.g., by counting on 2 to add 2). CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.C.4:Add within 100, including adding a two-digit number and a one-digit number, and adding a two-digit number and a multiple of 10, using concrete models or drawings and strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction; relate the strategy to a written method and explain the reasoning used. Understand that in adding two-digit numbers, one adds tens and tens, ones and ones; and sometimes it is necessary to compose a ten.

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