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Number Line

  • Writer: Suratna Solutions
    Suratna Solutions
  • Aug 8
  • 3 min read

  1. Introduction

A number line is a straight line with numbers placed at equal intervals along it.

  • Number Lines can be horizontal and vertical.

  • A number line typically includes positive numbers (to the right), negative numbers (to the left), and sometimes zero, which serves as the middle point.

  • The numbers increase from left to right.

  • The concept of the number line is simple: the further to the right a number is, the larger it is, and the further to the left, the smaller it is.

Number line from -6 to 6 with arrows at each end. "Negative Numbers" and "Positive Numbers" are labeled under the line.

This visualization is key to understanding basic number concepts, such as addition, subtraction, and the order of numbers.

  1. Key Features of a Number Line


  1. Zero Point: The number line typically starts at zero, which is the reference point for both positive and negative numbers.

  2. Positive Numbers: These are numbers that are greater than zero, located to the right of zero. For example, 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on.

  3. Negative Numbers: These are numbers that are less than zero, located to the left of zero. For example, -1, -2, -3, and so on.

  4. Intervals: The space between any two numbers is equal. The intervals can be of any size, depending on the numbers being represented. For example, between 0 and 1, the interval can represent 0.1, 0.01, or any other fractional value.


  1. How to Use a Number Line


  1. Understanding Position:

    The number line helps you understand where numbers are in relation to one another. For example, if you have the numbers 2 and 5, you can easily see that 5 is to the right of 2, meaning it is greater.

  2. Addition and Subtraction:

    • Addition: Moving to the right on the number line represents addition. For example, to add 3 to 2, start at 2 on the number line and move 3 steps to the right. You land at 5.

    • Subtraction: Moving to the left on the number line represents subtraction. For example, subtracting 3 from 5 means starting at 5 and moving 3 steps to the left, landing at 2.

  3. Understanding Fractions and Decimals:

    Fractions and decimals can also be plotted on the number line. For example, the number 0.5 lies exactly halfway between 0 and 1 on a number line. Similarly, 3/4 can be placed between 0 and 1, just a little before 1.

  4. Comparing Numbers:

    The number line helps in comparing numbers. If one number is further to the right than another, it is the larger number. For example, 8 is larger than 6 because 8 is further to the right on the number line.


  1. How to Use a Number Line


  1. First draw a line either horizontal or vertical.

  2. Choose a scale and make divisions accordingly.

  3. Mark the points at equal intervals.

  4. Recognize the given number and highlight it.


  1. How to find the missing value on the number line?


  1. Count the total number of divisions between the given numbers.

  2. Divide the difference between two given numbers by the number of divisions, to get the length of each division.

  3. Use this length of division to work out the missing value.


  1. Example Questions for 11+ on Number Line


Example: What number does the arrow represent on the number line?

A number line with an arrow pointing to 4, between markers 2 and 5. Arrow is purple, numbers are in black, and line is horizontal.

Difference between 2 and 5 = 3

Number of divisions between 6 and 9 = 6

Length of each division = 3/6 = 0.5

Length of fourth division = 4 x 0.5 = 2.0

Missing value = 2 + 2 = 4

Therefore, the arrow represent the number 4 on the number line.


Example: What number is halfway between 2.8 and 2.88?


Add the two numbers = 2.8 + 2.88 = 5.68

Divide the result by 2 to find the midpoint: 5.68 / 2 = 2.84

The number halfway between 2.8 and 2.88 is 2.84

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