Absolute Value Showdown: Comparing Numbers' Distances from Zero

Mathematics Grades 7th Grade 4:07 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to compare absolute values using the number line and the concept of distance from zero. Discover how absolute value affects negative and positive numbers.

Video Resource

Comparing absolute values | Negative numbers and absolute value | Pre-Algebra | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 4:07
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Absolute Value: The distance a number is from zero on the number line.
  • Comparing Numbers: Using greater than (>), less than (<), and equal to (=) symbols.
  • Number Line Representation: Visualizing numbers and their absolute values on a number line.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define absolute value as the distance from zero.
  • Students will be able to compare absolute values of positive and negative numbers using inequality symbols.
  • Students will be able to represent numbers and their absolute values on a number line.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing the definition of absolute value. Ask students what they already know about absolute value. Introduce the video and explain that it will show how to compare absolute values of different numbers.
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Comparing absolute values | Negative numbers and absolute value | Pre-Algebra | Khan Academy'. Encourage students to take notes on key concepts and examples.
  • Guided Practice (15 mins)
    Work through several examples of comparing absolute values with the class. Use the number line to visually represent the absolute values. Emphasize the difference between comparing the numbers themselves and comparing their absolute values. For example, -5 < -2, but |-5| > |-2|.
  • Independent Practice (15 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet or online activity with problems to practice comparing absolute values. Circulate to provide assistance as needed.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the key concepts of absolute value and comparing numbers. Answer any remaining questions. Preview the next lesson on absolute value word problems.

Interactive Exercises

  • Number Line Comparison
    Create a large number line on the board or floor. Have students place themselves at the location of different numbers and then move to the location of their absolute value. Compare the distances.
  • Absolute Value Card Game
    Create a deck of cards with positive and negative numbers. Students draw two cards and compare their absolute values using <, >, or =.

Discussion Questions

  • How does the absolute value of a negative number relate to its positive counterpart?
  • Can the absolute value of a number ever be negative? Why or why not?
  • How can the number line help us understand absolute value?

Skills Developed

  • Understanding Absolute Value
  • Comparing Rational Numbers
  • Visual Representation on a Number Line

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does absolute value represent?

Correct Answer: The distance from zero

Question 2:

What is the absolute value of -12?

Correct Answer: 12

Question 3:

Which of the following is true: |-5| ___ |-3|?

Correct Answer: >

Question 4:

Which number has the greatest absolute value?

Correct Answer: -8

Question 5:

The absolute value of a number is always:

Correct Answer: Non-negative

Question 6:

Which of the following is equivalent to |7|?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 7:

Compare: |-2| ___ |2|

Correct Answer: =

Question 8:

Which of the following has an absolute value of 6?

Correct Answer: -6

Question 9:

What is the value of |-15|?

Correct Answer: 15

Question 10:

What symbol is used to show absolute value?

Correct Answer: ||

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The absolute value of a number is its _______ from zero.

Correct Answer: distance

Question 2:

The absolute value of -4 is ______.

Correct Answer: 4

Question 3:

The symbol for absolute value is ____.

Correct Answer: ||

Question 4:

|-9| is ______ than |-6|.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 5:

The absolute value of any number cannot be _______.

Correct Answer: negative

Question 6:

The absolute value of 0 is _______.

Correct Answer: 0

Question 7:

Comparing |5| and |-5|, the correct symbol to use is _______.

Correct Answer: =

Question 8:

A number's absolute value is always a _______ number or zero.

Correct Answer: positive

Question 9:

|-10| = ______.

Correct Answer: 10

Question 10:

The absolute value of a number is the _______ version of the number.

Correct Answer: positive

Educational Standards

7.N.1:Read, write, represent, and compare rational numbers, expressed as integers, fractions, and decimals. Explain and apply the concept of absolute value. 7.N.1.3:Explain the relationship between the absolute value of a rational number and the distance of that number from zero on a number line. Use the symbol for absolute value. Apply the concept of absolute value to model and solve problems.

Teaching Materials

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