Grade 6 — Fractions and Decimals

Sample Problem Solving Talk 6.2B
Measure to Label and Locate Positive and Negative Decimals - Tenths

Problem-Solving Video

Essential Concepts and Strategies

  • Ten 0.1-bars or ten 1/10-bars measure the distance of 1 on a number line. 

  • The first place-value to the right of the decimal point is tenths.

  • Positive and negative decimals can be measured and plotted on a number line using 0.1-bars.

  • A decimal such as 3.2 (thirty-two tenths) is plotted on a number line by measuring thirty-two 0.1-bars to the right of zero.

  • A decimal such as –3.2 (negative thirty-two tenths) is plotted on a number line by measuring thirty-two 0.1-bars to the left of zero.

  • Points can be labeled with equivalent decimals and fractions (–3.2 = –32/10).

Materials List for Problem-Solving Talk


Magnetic Measurement Bars and Number Line Segments for Whiteboards

The following number line segments, measurement bars, and fraction strips in the Grades 6-8 Number Line Measurement Manipulative Kit for magnetic whiteboards are used by students to complete the Challenges sections of the video as a whole group. Magnetic foam manipulative kits can be purchased through Essential Math Concepts. Printable manipulative kits are available by clicking the button below.

Printable Manipulative Kit

Video Overview and Instructional Notes


The Video Overview and Instructional Notes outline the instructional highlights of this Preview Problem Solving Video and list the essential strategies and concepts that are introduced or reviewed. In addition, video pause points with instructional notes identify important representations, strategies, and concepts and offer suggestions for leading discussions and problem-solving with students.

PDF of VOIN for Preview Problem Solving

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Daily Problem-Solving Tasks


The Daily Problem-Solving Tasks can be represented on the whiteboard so students entering the classroom can review the tasks and solve the problem. Then, to start class, students can share strategies to solve the problem. This brief activity allows teachers to review important concepts and strategies introduced in the PPS Video and applied on the Practice Problem-Solving Pages.

PDF of Daily Problem-Solving Tasks

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Practice Problem-Solving Pages


The Practice Problem-Solving Pages challenge students to apply the concepts and strategies that were introduced in the Problem-Solving Video and reviewed in each Daily Problem-Solving Task.

PDF of Practice Problem-Solving Pages 1-4

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Measurement-Bar Ruler

Students will use the rulers to complete some Practice Problem-Solving Pages. A set of rulers can be printed using the PDF below. Print these rulers using the same printer/copier used to print the pages. Then, use a paper cutter to cut out and trim the rulers. This process ensures that the printed size of the rulers and pages is the same so that rulers measure accurately on the pages.

Image of Short-Bar Ruler

PDF of Short-Bar Ruler

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