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Activity

Finch on the Number Line

Use the Finch on a number line to model addition and subtraction with negative numbers.

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BEGINNER

Place your robot on the number line so that its beak is at 30 cm. If the robot moves backward 42 cm, where will it be? Think about your answer, and then test it!

Place your robot on the number line so that its beak is at -10 cm. If the robot moves forward 24 cm, where will it be? Think about your answer, and then test it!

Place your robot on the number line so that its beak is at 7 cm. How far does the Finch need to move to end at -13 cm? Think about your answer, and then test it!

MATERIALS

For this activity, you will need a number line marked in centimeters that includes both positive and negative numbers.

INTEGRATION

This activity encourages the development of number sense by providing a physical model for addition and subtraction with negative numbers. In addition to the prompts presented here, you can also create new challenges that connect to your math curriculum.