absolute value: 6th Grade 🌐 Ver en Español
Number and Operations
Numbers and Basic Operations
Vertical Alignment
TEKS:
| 6th | 6.2(B) |
| Alg 2 | 2A.2(A) |
Linked To
Downloads
- Visual
- Word wall visual
- Lesson Plan
- Lesson Materials
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Structured Conversation Questions
Observational
What is an absolute value?
An absolute value is...Relational
How is an absolute value different from an opposite number?
An absolute value is different from an opposite number because...Inferential
Why do you think an absolute value cannot be negative?
I think an absolute value cannot be negative because...
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Students might notice in this visual:
- The absolute value symbols are shown as two vertical lines around a number.
- All absolute values on the number line are positive.
- The absolute value of both a positive and negative number is the same.
- Numbers like –.3 and .3 have the same absolute value.
- The number line is used to measure distance from zero.
EXTENDING THE DISCUSSION
After the observational question, randomly call on one or more students to share what they or their partner answered. Then ask the class, “Did anyone notice…?” using the suggestions above or anything else you’ve noticed.
After the observational question, randomly call on one or more students to share what they or their partner answered. Then ask the class, “Did anyone notice…?” using the suggestions above or anything else you’ve noticed.
Students might wonder:
- Why is the absolute value of a number always positive?
- Can zero have an absolute value?
- What do the vertical bars in |--5| mean?
- Why do opposites have the same absolute value?
- Is absolute value the same as taking away the negative sign?
EXTENDING THE DISCUSSION
After students have shared what they notice, ask the class, “Did anyone wonder…?” using the suggestions above or anything else you might think is interesting or relevant to the lesson.
After students have shared what they notice, ask the class, “Did anyone wonder…?” using the suggestions above or anything else you might think is interesting or relevant to the lesson.
Example student responses
To the observational question, What is an absolute value?
LOW-LEVEL
An absolute value is how far a number is from zero.
HIGH-LEVEL
An absolute value is the distance a number is from zero on the number line, and it is always positive.
RESPONDING TO RESPONSES
Emphasize and celebrate each student’s use of the key vocabulary to support a culture of “no wrong answers.”
Emphasize and celebrate each student’s use of the key vocabulary to support a culture of “no wrong answers.”
