Number Lines to 20
A number line is a straight line with numbers in order. We use number lines to count forwards and backwards, and to help with addition and subtraction.
What You Need to Know
A number line is a straight line with numbers in order. We use number lines to count forwards and backwards, and to help with addition and subtraction.
Key Concept Diagram
Numbers on a number line go from left (smaller) to right (bigger)
We can jump forwards on a number line to add
We can jump backwards on a number line to subtract
Number lines help us see the order of numbers and gaps between them
Key Vocabulary
number line
A line with numbers placed in order at equal spaces
forwards
Moving in the direction of bigger numbers — to the right
backwards
Moving in the direction of smaller numbers — to the left
jump
A move along the number line — each jump = 1
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
On a number line, start at 5 and jump 4 places forward. Where do you land?
Question 2
On a number line, which direction do numbers get bigger?
Question 3
Start at 12, jump back 3. Where do you land?
Question 4
Which numbers are BETWEEN 7 and 11 on a number line?
Question 5
On a number line from 0 to 20, which number is exactly in the middle?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Numbers on a number line go from left (smaller) to right (bigger)
- ●We can jump forwards on a number line to add
- ●We can jump backwards on a number line to subtract
- ●Number lines help us see the order of numbers and gaps between them