Number Lines: Solving Problems [TEKS Tools Grade 5]

Aaron Daffern
1 day ago
2 min read

This post specifically looks at how number lines can be used to solve a variety of problems involving rounding, estimation, and the four operations. 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.

Rounding/Estimation

Students first learn to round numbers by reasoning about a number's relative proximity to a benchmark number. Utilizing number lines increases conceptual understanding that builds to the rounding algorithm.

5.2C - round decimals to tenths or hundredths

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2023-19: a number was given, students had to generate a number that would round to the given number

2024-15: a number was given, students had to find two numbers that would round to the given number

2025-31: a number was given, students had to round it to two different place values

Solving Problems

Students solve operational problems that include fractions with unlike denominators and decimals. Using number lines provides a consistent tool that students can become very comfortable with provided sufficient practice.

5.3H - represent and solve addition and subtraction of fractions with unequal denominators referring to the same whole using objects and pictorial models and properties of operations

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2024-16: an expression was given, students had to find the value by adding