Number Lines in Disguise

Why do this problem?

Looking at a familiar context in a much more challenging scenario can pique curiosity. Number lines are used a lot when children are developing number sense and then are revisited when drawing axes for graphs. This is an opportunity to explore number lines in a challenging context.

This problem also gives us an opportunity to show some strategies we might encourage when students are stuck. Students can pick the level they wish to work at and we can use this to demonstrate when it is useful to try simpler examples to help us develop an approach to solving a more difficult problem.

Possible approach

Begin by showing students this image. (PowerPoint Slide)

"Have a look at this number line. What do you notice?"
Give students a short time to look at the image in silence, and then invite them to discuss with their neighbour.

"Can you determine the value of other points on the line? How do you know?"

If computers are available, this would be a good time to introduce the interactivity.
"Work with a partner to explore some other examples, and see if you can find a strategy that will work for any level." Alternatively, you may find this worksheet useful, which contains a few examples from each level of the interactivity. (Thank you to Mr Gray who created the sheet and very kindly shared it with us. He reported that he found it particularly useful as students were able to record their thinking on it.)

Level 1 = whole number steps, small negative numbers possible
Level 2 = fractional steps (halves quarters and eighths only), small negative numbers possible
Level 3 = fractional steps (any), small negative numbers
Level 4 = fractional steps (any), negative numbers are always included in the number line
Level 5 = like Level 4 but with larger numbers
 

While students are working, circulate and listen for pairs who are developing strategies or who have particularly useful insights. Once most students have successfully solved a number of examples, bring the class together and invite pairs to share their strategies and insights. 
 

Key questions

Can you find the value of any of the points on the line?
Where is $0$ on the line?
How do you know?
Did you always use the same strategy?
Can you find a strategy that you can use for any example?
What made particular questions easier?
What made particular questions harder?

Possible support

For students who need support with using number lines you may wish to play Five Steps to 50.
You may wish to try Shifting Times Tables for some similar ideas that stay within the integers. 

Possible extension

Ask students to create their own challenges using this sheet. Ask them to think about what makes a question harder or easier. They could make a sheet of easier questions and a sheet of harder questions.