---
title: "6.NR.3: Rational Numbers on Number Line (Georgia Mathematics standard)"
code: 6.NR.3
cite_as: Georgia Standards of Excellence, Mathematics, 6.NR.3
subject: math
grades:
  - grade-6
language: en
canonical_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/6.NR.3
md_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/6.NR.3.md
alternate_language_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/es/standards/code/6.NR.3.md
source_url: https://case.georgiastandards.org/ims/case/v1p1/CFDocuments/e9dd7229-3558-4df2-85c6-57b8938f6180
source_last_changed: 2024-10-09
data_built: 2026-09-18
publisher: Georgia Homeroom, a free public-interest project of Georgia Civic Data. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Georgia Department of Education or any school district.
up: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/math/grade-6.md
index: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/index.md
---

# 6.NR.3: Rational Numbers on Number Line

Solve a variety of problems involving whole numbers and their opposites; model rational numbers on a number line to describe problems presented in relevant, mathematical situations.

- Subject: Mathematics
- Appears in: Grade 6, https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/math/grade-6.md

## Expectations

- **6.NR.3.1**: Identify and compare integers and explain the meaning of zero based on multiple authentic situations.
- **6.NR.3.2**: Order and plot integers on a number line and use distance from zero to discover the connection between integers and their opposites.
- **6.NR.3.3**: Recognize and explain that opposite signs of integers indicate locations on opposite sides of zero on the number line; recognize and explain that the opposite of the opposite of a number is the number itself.
- **6.NR.3.4**: Write, interpret, and explain statements of order for rational numbers in authentic, mathematical situations. Compare rational numbers, including integers, using equality and inequality symbols.
- **6.NR.3.5**: Explain the absolute value of a rational number as its distance from zero on the number line; interpret absolute value as distance for a positive or negative quantity in a relevant situation.
- **6.NR.3.6**: Distinguish comparisons of absolute value from statements about order.

## Georgia Milestones coverage

- Mathematics Grade 6 (EOG). Numerical Reasoning. Solve a variety of problems involving whole numbers and their opposites; model rational numbers on a number line to describe problems presented in relevant, mathematical situations. (about 12% of the test; 7 points)

## What mastery looks like

Georgia's Achievement Level Descriptors. The levels are cumulative: each includes the ones before it. Proficient is on grade level.

- **Beginning**: Given a visual representation, compare integers in context. Given an integer plotted on a number line, identify the opposite of that integer. Given a visual representation, compare rational numbers using equality and inequality symbols. Given a number plotted on a number line, determine the absolute value of that number.
- **Developing**: Compare integers in context. Plot an integer and its opposite on a number line. Show that the opposite of the opposite of a number is the number itself. Compare rational numbers using equality and inequality symbols. Given a number, determine the absolute value of that number.
- **Proficient**: Explain the meaning of zero in the context of a realistic problem. Order integers on a number line. Explain that the opposite of the opposite of a number is the number itself. Explain statements of order for rational numbers in authentic contexts. Interpret absolute value as distance for a positive or negative quantity in a contextual situation. Explain a comparison of absolute value from an authentic context.
- **Distinguished**: Solve realistic problems involving comparisons of rational numbers and statements of absolute value.

## The same standard across grades

- Kindergarten, K.NR.3: Use place value understanding to compose and decompose numbers from 11–19. https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/K.NR.3.md
- Grade 2, 2.NR.3: Work with equal groups to gain foundations for multiplication through real-life, mathematical problems. https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/2.NR.3.md
- Grade 5, 5.NR.3: Describe fractions and perform operations with fractions to solve relevant, mathematical problems using part-whole strategies and visual models. https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/5.NR.3.md
- **Grade 6, 6.NR.3 (this standard)**: Solve a variety of problems involving whole numbers and their opposites; model rational numbers on a number line to describe problems presented in relevant, mathematical situations.

Source: Georgia Standards of Excellence, published by the Georgia Department of Education at case.georgiastandards.org.