Number Lines: Number Pairs [TEKS Tools Grade 5]

This post specifically looks at how number lines can be used to explore number pair relationships in real-world scenarios. Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here.

Number Lines

Number lines, the second TEKS Tool, account for around 22% of each 5th grade STAAR test. Within this tool are many uses: representing and solving fraction operations, interpreting number pair relationships, and solving problems involving rounding and the operations.

The main function of a number line is to solve problems involving the four operations, understand number pairs, or as a tool for rounding and estimation. By visualizing these quantities on number lines, students can better make sense of the how the quantities are related.

Number Pairs

Number pairs are the foundation of input-output tables, graphing on a coordinate plane, and proportionality. Utilizing a double number line provides a consistent tool that students can use all through high school to understand proportional relationships.

5.4C - generate a numerical pattern when given a rule in the form y = ax or y = x + a and graph

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2023-16: a table and an equation, which embeds the rule, were given, students had to solve for the missing values

2024-14: an equation, which embeds the rule, was given, students had to find the matching graph

2024-32: a table and an equation, which embeds the rule, were given, students had to solve for the missing values

2025-1: a graph and an equation, which embeds the rule, were given, students had to solve find the matching table

2025-25: a graph and an equation, which embeds the rule, were given, students had to solve for the missing values

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5.4D - recognize the difference between additive and multiplicative numerical patterns given in a table or graph

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2023-23: a table was given, students had to describe the relationship between the independent and dependent values

2025-27: a table was given, students had to describe the relationship between the independent and dependent values

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5.8C - graph in the first quadrant of the coordinate plane ordered pairs of numbers arising from mathematical and real-world problems, including those generated by number patterns or found in an input-output table

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2023-6: a graph was given, students had find the table that matched the relationship displayed on the graph

2023-22: a rule was given via a verbal description, students had to graph two points that fit the pattern

2024-9: a rule was given via a verbal description, students had to find the graph that matched the rule

2025-17: a rule was given via a verbal description, students had to find the graph that matched the rule