Explanation
In this page, we practice plotting different types of points on a number line.
Remember:
A number line is \(1D\).
This means each point needs only one value.
The value tells us where the point is located on the line.
Formula / Rule
In \(1D\), a point is written as:
\(P = x\)
where:
\(x\) is the location of the point on the number line.
Use these rules:
Positive numbers go to the right of \(0\).
Negative numbers go to the left of \(0\).
\(0\) is the origin.
Fractions and decimals are placed between whole numbers.
Example 1
Plot:
\(P = 3\)
Since \(3\) is positive, move \(3\) units to the right of \(0\).
So, the point is plotted at:
\(3\)
Example 2
Plot:
\(P = −4\)
Since \(−4\) is negative, move \(4\) units to the left of \(0\).
So, the point is plotted at:
\(−4\)
Example 3
Plot:
\(P = 0\)
The number \(0\) is the origin.
So, the point is plotted at:
\(0\)
Example 4
Plot:
\(P = \frac{1}{2}\)
The point \(\frac{1}{2}\) is between \(0 and \(1.
It is exactly halfway between \(0 and \(1.
So, the point is plotted at:
\(\frac{1}{2}\)
Example 5
Plot:
\(P = −\frac{1}{2}\)
The point \(−\frac{1}{2}\) is between \(0\) and \(−1\).
It is exactly halfway between \(0\) and \(−1\).
So, the point is plotted at:
\(−\frac{1}{2}\)
Example 6
Plot:
\(P = 1.5\)
The point \(1.5\) is between \(1\) and \(2\).
It is halfway between \(1\) and \(2\).
So, the point is plotted at:
\(1.5\)
Example 7
Plot:
\(P = −2.25\)
The point \(−2.25\) is between \(−2\) and \(−3\).
It is a little to the left of \(−2\).
So, the point is plotted at:
\(−2.25\)
Practice
- More Examples (Current page)
- Take the Quiz