What is an integer?

Have you ever kept track of the temperature by exploring a glass thermometer? How are the numbers organized? You might notice the thermometer uses a mix of numbers with a + or − symbol. These symbols help to differentiate whether there has been a rise or fall in the temperature.

Describing integers using a number line

Often when describing integers, we use a number line to help us visualize how the numbers might change. There are 2 types of number lines: horizontal and vertical. There are different instances when each is used and ways that it might be helpful when interpreting integers.

Horizontal number line

Often times, when comparing numbers or amounts, a horizontal number line is helpful to explore the order of data or which numbers are greater or less than others. Additionally, it would be beneficial to use this to compare how far numbers are from zero or from each other.

Vertical number line

These are usually used to refer to temperatures, as you might notice this when you’re exploring a glass thermometer. A vertical number line would also be useful when you are thinking about height or elevation as it mimics various levels above or below zero.

Task 1:

Given this set of data in regards to various altitudes travelled by a submarine at different times of the day, consider which number line would be most useful and compare the similarities and differences between each. What are the pros and cons of each number line?

Task 2:

The following chart describes the average temperature each month in Muskoka, Ontario. Use both vertical and horizontal number lines to plot the integers in writing, using a speech to text tool, or an audio recording. Which number line was the easiest to understand? What situations might the other number line be useful for?

Average temperature in Muskoka, Ontario by month

Think about it

Weather has a huge impact on various situations, changes and circumstances, from something as simple as choosing your daily attires to more complex problems such as climate change. Consider what ways temperature and changes in temperature impact different aspects of your community, such as work, shelter, health, and other necessary resources.

Comparing positive and negative integers

At the rate we’re going with climate change, we’re very likely to experience a change in these average temperatures. Using the temperature chart for Muskoka provided, imagine that there is a dramatic decrease in the temperatures for the winter months, a moderate increase in the temperatures in the summer months and a moderate decrease in the temperatures in the spring and fall months. Given your new predicted data, order the new temperatures on a new number line.

Temperature chart for Muskoka

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

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