In this lesson, students distinguish order when working with rational numbers and their absolute values. Students begin by using a vertical number line to visualize the possible elevations of four characters in relation to a submarine. They use precise language when describing a character’s elevation versus their distance from sea level (MP6).

Next, students use the Information Gap structure to locate points on a number line. Students will need to request information about the absolute values, opposites, and relative locations of the points.

An optional activity gives students additional practice comparing rational numbers by having partners take turns using numbers and symbols to write comparison statements and then using words to describe the same comparison.