Math6-8
Rational Number Distance and Absolute Value Practice
By Ashley M.
A practice packet for 7th graders on finding distances between rational numbers and working with absolute value, aligned to 7.NS.2. It opens with key terms and a worked number-line example before moving into practice problems that build fluency with subtraction of signed numbers.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as independent or partner practice after a mini-lesson on absolute value and subtracting rational numbers, roughly a 30-40 minute block.
- Discussion question: Why does the order of subtraction not change the distance between two points, and what does the absolute value do to the sign?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: have them sketch each pair of points on a number line before computing, and check their answer by counting the spaces between the markers.
- Extension for advanced students: ask them to explain why |a - b| equals |b - a| using a general argument, or to find all points whose distance from a given number is a specified value.
- Estimated time: about 5 minutes per worked example review and 25-30 minutes for the practice problems.
Math6-8
Rational Number Distance and Absolute Value Practice
By Ashley M.
A practice packet for 7th graders on finding distances between rational numbers and working with absolute value, aligned to 7.NS.2. It opens with key terms and a worked number-line example before moving into practice problems that build fluency with subtraction of signed numbers.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as independent or partner practice after a mini-lesson on absolute value and subtracting rational numbers, roughly a 30-40 minute block.
- Discussion question: Why does the order of subtraction not change the distance between two points, and what does the absolute value do to the sign?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: have them sketch each pair of points on a number line before computing, and check their answer by counting the spaces between the markers.
- Extension for advanced students: ask them to explain why |a - b| equals |b - a| using a general argument, or to find all points whose distance from a given number is a specified value.
- Estimated time: about 5 minutes per worked example review and 25-30 minutes for the practice problems.