Natural Numbers on a Coordinate Ray (Number Line)
Learning Goal: Understand how to represent, compare, and work with natural numbers on a coordinate ray!
What is a Coordinate Ray?
A coordinate ray (also called a number line) is a ray with:
- A chosen starting point called the origin
- A unit of measurement marked on it
- Numbers represented as points along the ray
Think of it like a ruler! The coordinate ray helps us see where numbers "live" and how they relate to each other.
Interactive visualization — available in the full lesson
Elements of a Coordinate Ray
Key Parts:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Starting point, marked as 0 |
| Direction | Shown by an arrow pointing right |
| Unit Segment | Distance from 0 to 1 |
| Equal Divisions | Marks at 1, 2, 3, 4, ... |
Interactive visualization — available in the full lesson