Grade 6 · Maths · Lessons
How far from zero
0️⃣zero📏distance🌡️temperature🔢absolute value
How far from zero?The big ideaDistance from zero is how far, with no sign. Less than is a place on the line.
How it works
Distance from zero is how far, with no sign.
The distance of −7 and of 7 from zero is 7.
Less than is a place on the line: a number further left is less.
Example 1: Distance of a positive number
- The distance from zero of 2 is ?
- The number is 2.
- It is 2 steps from zero.
- So the answer is 2.
Example 2: Distance of a temperature
- The thermometer says 7 degrees. How far from zero is that? Say it, or write it!
- 7 degrees is 7 steps from zero.
- Distance has no sign.
- So the answer is 7.
Example 3: Closer to zero
- Is −10 closer to zero than 30?
- Compare −10 and 30 by their distance from zero.
- 10 is less than 30, so −10 is closer.
- So the answer is Yes.
Words to know
- absolute value
- A number's distance from zero.
- distance
- How far apart two things are.
Watch out
- Distance is never negative.
- Closer to zero isn't the same as less than.
- −10 is less than 3 but 10 is further from zero.
Try it
- The distance from zero of 3.5 is ?
- The distance from zero of 8 is ?
- Is −40 less than −10?
Answers: 1. 3.5 · 2. 8 · 3. Yes
For grown-upsAsk: 'which is further from zero, 5 below or 3 above?'