Bloomin' GeniusPlayback speed:
Monday's low was −8°F. Tuesday's was −3°F. Which day was colder?
In this video
- Farther left on the number line means less: −8 < −3.
- Absolute value is distance from 0, so |−6| = 6.
- Compare debts: owing $40 is a bigger debt than owing $25, even though −40 < −25.
Try it together
Order from least to greatest: −1, −1.5, 0.5, −0.25
Show the answer
−1.5, −1, −0.25, 0.5
Plot them on a number line, then read from left to right.
Ask, don't tell
“Which number is farther left?”
“Does it ask which is less, or which is farther from 0?”
The workbook these videos go with
Math for Parents – 6th Grade: Numbers & Operations. Picture-first lessons, “Ask, don't tell” prompts on every page, worked examples, real-world missions, and answer keys with coaching notes, so you can help even if it's been years since you learned it.