Georgia

Standards of Excellence
Curriculum Frameworks

Mathematics

GSE Grade 7
Unit 1: Operations with
Rational Numbers

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Unit 1

Unit 1
Operations with Rational Numbers
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................. 4
STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE ............................................................. 4
STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT .............................................................. 5
BIG IDEAS .................................................................................................................................... 6
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS .......................................................................................................... 6
CONCEPTS AND SKILLS TO MAINTAIN ............................................................................. 6
FLUENCY ..................................................................................................................................... 6
SELECTED TERMS AND SYMBOLS ...................................................................................... 7
STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING .............................................................. 8
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT LESSONS (FAL) ................................................................... 10
SPOTLIGHT TASKS ................................................................................................................. 10
3-ACT TASKS............................................................................................................................. 10
• Show Me the Sign Part 1 ................................................................................................ 13
• Show Me the Sign Part 2 ................................................................................................ 21
• Subtracting Integers ....................................................................................................... 25
• Subtracting Integers ....................................................................................................... 28
• Deep Freeze...................................................................................................................... 29
• Back to top ....................................................................................................................... 29
• Hot Air Balloon ............................................................................................................... 33
• Debits and Credits........................................................................................................... 44
• Integer Subitizing Cards ................................................................................................ 51
• Create Three .................................................................................................................... 60
• Using Positive and Negative Numbers in Context ....................................................... 63
• Multiplying Integers ...................................................................................................... 65
• Modeling the Multiplication of Integers ..................................................................... 70
• Patterns of Multiplication and Division ........................................................................ 73
• Do It Yourself Revisited ................................................................................................. 89
• What Does It Cost? ......................................................................................................... 92
• Converting Fractions to Decimals ................................................................................. 99
• The Repeater vs The Terminator ................................................................................ 104
• A Poster… ...................................................................................................................... 110
• Whodunit? The Undoing of (-7) ................................................................................. 115

APPENDIX OF ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ..................................................................... 122

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Unit 1

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES ............................................................................................. 127

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Unit 1

OVERVIEW
The units in this instructional framework emphasize key standards that assist students to develop
a deeper understanding of numbers. They learn to express different representations of rational
numbers (e.g., fractions, decimals, and percents) and interpret negative numbers in everyday
context (e.g., sea level change). The big ideas that are expressed in this unit are integrated with
such previous knowledge as estimation, mental and basic computation. All of these concepts
need to be reviewed throughout the year.
Take what you need from the tasks and modify as required. These tasks are suggestions,
something that you can use as a resource for your classroom.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

The Standards for Mathematical Practice describe varieties of expertise that mathematics
educators at all levels should seek to develop in their students. These practices rest on important
“processes and proficiencies” with longstanding importance in mathematics education. The first
of these are the NCTM process standards of problem solving, reasoning and proof,
communication, representation, and connections. The second are the strands of mathematical
proficiency specified in the National Research Council’s report Adding It Up: adaptive
reasoning, strategic competence, conceptual understanding (comprehension of mathematical
concepts, operations and relations), procedural fluency (skill in carrying out procedures flexibly,
accurately, efficiently and appropriately) and productive disposition (habitual inclination to see
mathematics as sensible, useful, and worthwhile, coupled with a belief in diligence and one’s
own efficacy).

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

Students explain and demonstrate rational number operations by using symbols, visuals, words,
and real life contexts. Students demonstrate perseverance while using a variety of strategies
(number lines, manipulatives, drawings, etc.

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

Students demonstrate quantitative reasoning by representing and solving real world situations
using visuals, numbers, and symbols. They demonstrate abstract reasoning by translating
numerical sentences into real world situations.

3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.

Students will discuss rules for operations with rational numbers using appropriate terminology and
tools/visuals. Students apply properties to support their arguments and constructively critique the
reasoning of others while supporting their own position.

4. Model with mathematics. Students model understanding of rational number operations using tools
such as algebra tiles, counters, visuals, and number lines and connect these models to solve problems
involving real-world situations.

5. Use appropriate tools strategically. Students demonstrate their ability to select and use the most
appropriate tool (paper/pencil, manipulatives, and calculators) while solving problems with rational
numbers.

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Unit 1

6. Attend to precision. Students demonstrate precision by using correct terminology and symbols and
labeling units correctly. Students use precision in calculation by checking the reasonableness of their
answers and making adjustments accordingly.

7. Look for and make use of structure. Students look for structure in positive and negative rational
numbers when they place them appropriately on the number line. They use this structure in calculation
when considering the position of numbers on the number line. In addition, students recognize the problem
solving structures of word problems and use this awareness to aid in solving them.

8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning. Students will use manipulatives to explore
the patterns of operations with rational numbers. Students will use these patterns to develop algorithms.
They can use these algorithms to solve problems with a variety of problem solving structures.

(Adapted from Illinois’ Curriculum Model)

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

Apply and extend previous understandings of operations with fractions to add, subtract,
multiply and divide rational numbers.

[Link].1 Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction to add and
subtract rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number
line diagram.

[Link].1a Show that a number and its opposite have a sum of 0 (are additive inverses).
Describe situations in which opposite quantities combine to make 0. For example, your bank
account balance is -$25.00. You deposit $25.00 into your account. The net balance is $0.00.
[Link].1b Understand p + q as the number located a distance from p, in the positive or
negative direction depending on whether q is positive or negative. Interpret sums of rational
numbers by describing real world contexts.
[Link].1c Understand subtraction of rational numbers as adding the additive inverse, p – q
= p + (– q). Show that the distance between two rational numbers on the number line is the
absolute value of their difference, and apply this principle in real‐world contexts.
[Link].1d Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract rational numbers.

[Link].2 Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division and of
fractions to multiply and divide rational numbers.

[Link].2a Understand that multiplication is extended from fractions to rational numbers by

requiring that operations continue to satisfy the properties of operations, particularly the
distributive property, leading to products such as (- 1)(– 1) = 1 and the rules for multiplying
signed numbers. Interpret products of rational numbers by describing real‐world contexts.

[Link].2b Understand that integers can be divided, provided that the divisor is not zero,
and every quotient of integers (with non‐zero divisor) is a rational number. If p and q are integers
then – (p/q) = (– p)/q = p/(–q). Interpret quotients of rational numbers by describing real‐world
contexts.
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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Unit 1

[Link].2c Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide rational

numbers.

[Link].2d Convert a rational number to a decimal using long division; know that the
decimal form of a rational number terminates in 0s or eventually repeats.

[Link].3 Solve real‐world and mathematical problems involving the four operations with
rational numbers.

BIG IDEAS

● Computation with positive and negative numbers is often necessary to determine

relationships between quantities.
● Models, diagrams, manipulatives and patterns are useful in developing and remembering
algorithms for computing with positive and negative numbers.
● Properties of real numbers hold for all rational numbers.
● Positive and negative numbers are often used to solve problems in everyday life.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

● What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for adding, subtracting,
multiplying, and dividing positive and negative rational numbers?
● What are the steps to converting a rational number to a repeating or terminating decimal?

CONCEPTS AND SKILLS TO MAINTAIN

● Use of number lines to order whole number integers.

● Addition, subtraction, division and multiplication of whole numbers.
Addition, subtraction, division and multiplication of fractions.

FLUENCY

It is expected that students will continue to develop and practice strategies to build their capacity
to become fluent in mathematics and mathematics computation. The eventual goal is
automaticity with math facts. This automaticity is built within each student through strategy
development and practice. The following section is presented in order to develop a common
understanding of the ideas and terminology regarding fluency and automaticity in mathematics:

Fluency: Procedural fluency is defined as skill in carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently,
and appropriately. Fluent problem solving does not necessarily mean solving problems within a certain
time limit, though there are reasonable limits on how long computation should take. Fluency is based on a
deep understanding of quantity and number.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Unit 1

Deep Understanding: Teachers teach more than simply “how to get the answer” and instead support
students’ ability to access concepts from a number of perspectives. Therefore students are able to see
math as more than a set of mnemonics or discrete procedures. Students demonstrate deep conceptual
understanding of foundational mathematics concepts by applying them to new situations, as well as
writing and speaking about their understanding.

Memorization: The rapid recall of arithmetic facts or mathematical procedures. Memorization is often
confused with fluency. Fluency implies a much richer kind of mathematical knowledge and experience.

Number Sense: Students consider the context of a problem, look at the numbers in a problem, make a
decision about which strategy would be most efficient in each particular problem. Number sense is not a
deep understanding of a single strategy, but rather the ability to think flexibly between a variety of
strategies in context.

Fluent students:

● flexibly use a combination of deep understanding, number sense, and memorization.

● are fluent in the necessary baseline functions in mathematics so that they are able to spend their
thinking and processing time unpacking problems and making meaning from them.
● are able to articulate their reasoning.
● find solutions through a number of different paths.

For more about fluency, see: [Link]

content/uploads/2015/03/[Link] and: [Link]
and-the-development-of-math-anxiety/

SELECTED TERMS AND SYMBOLS

The following terms and symbols are often misunderstood. These concepts are not an inclusive
list and should not be taught in isolation. However, due to evidence of frequent difficulty and
misunderstanding associated with these concepts, instructors should pay particular attention to
them and how their students are able to explain and apply them.

Students should explore these concepts using models and real life examples. Students should
understand the concepts involved and be able to recognize and/or demonstrate them with words,
models, pictures, or numbers.

The websites below are interactive and include a math glossary suitable for middle school
students. Note – Different sources use different definitions. Please preview any website for
alignment to the definitions given in the frameworks. The definitions below are from the
CCSS glossary [Link]
when applicable.

Visit [Link] or [Link] to see additional definitions

and specific examples of many terms and symbols used in grade 7 mathematics.

● Additive Inverse
● Multiplicative Inverse
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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Unit 1

● Absolute Value
● Integers
● Long Division
● Natural Numbers
● Negative Numbers
● Opposite Numbers
● Positive Numbers
● Rational Numbers
● Repeating Decimal
● Terminating Decimal
● Zero Pair

STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING

This unit builds upon the understanding of rational numbers in Grade 6:

● quantities can be shown using + or – and having opposite directions or values
● points on a number line show distance and direction,
● opposite signs of numbers indicate locations on opposite sides of 0 on the number line,
● the opposite of an opposite is the number itself
● the absolute value of a rational number is its distance from 0 on the number line,
● the absolute value is the magnitude for a positive or negative quantity, and
● coordinates can be located and compared on a coordinate grid using negative and positive
rational numbers
● order of operations should be applied to operations with rational numbers.

In Grade 7, learning now moves to exploring and ultimately formalizing rules for operations
(addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) with integers.

Using both contextual and numerical problems, students should explore what happens when
negative numbers and positive numbers are combined. The following strategies can be applied
for students to explore combining negative and positive rational numbers:

● Number lines present a visual image for students to explore and record addition and
subtraction results.
● Two-color counters or colored chips can be used as a physical and kinesthetic model
for adding and subtracting integers. With one color designated to represent positive
numbers and a second color for negative numbers, addition/subtraction can be
represented by placing the appropriate numbers of chips for the addends and their
signs on a board. Using the notion of opposites, the board is simplified by removing
pairs of opposite colored chips. The answer is the total of the remaining chips with
the sign representing the appropriate color.
● Repeated opportunities over time will allow students to compare the results of adding and
subtracting pairs of numbers, leading to the generalization of the rules. Fractional
rational numbers and whole numbers should be used in computations and explorations.
Students should be able to give contextual examples of integer operations, write and
solve equations for real-world problems and explain how the properties of operations
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GSE Grade 7 ∙ Unit 1

apply. Real-world situations could include: profit/loss, money, weight, sea level,
debit/credit, football yardage, etc.
● Using what students already know about positive and negative whole numbers and
multiplication with its relationship to division, students should generalize rules for
multiplying and dividing rational numbers. Multiply or divide the same as for positive
numbers, the designate the sign according to the number of negative factors. Students
should analyze and solve problems leading to the generalization of the rules for
operations with integers.
For example, beginning with known facts, students predict the answers for related facts,
keeping in mind that the properties of operations apply (See Tables 1, 2, and 3 below).

Table 1 Table 2 Table 3

4 x 4 =16 4 x 4 = 16 -4 x -4 = 16
4 x 3 = 12 4 x 3 = 12 -4 x -3 = 12
4x2=8 4x2=8 -4 x -2 = 8
4x1=4 4x1=4 -4 x -1 = 4
4x0=0 4x0=0 -4 x0=0
4 x -1 = -4 x 1 = -1 x -4 =
4 x -2 = -4 x 2 = -2 x -4 =
4 x -3 = -4 x 3 = -3 x -4 =
4 x -4 = -4 x 4 = -4 x -4 =

● Using the language of “the opposite of” helps some students understand the
multiplication of negatively signed numbers (- 4 x - 4 = 16, the opposite of 4 groups
of -4). Discussion about the tables should address the patterns in the products, the role of
the signs in the products and commutativity of multiplication.

Then students should be asked to answer these questions and prove their responses.
● Is it always true that multiplying a negative factor by a positive factor results in a
negative product?
● Does a positive factor times a positive factor always result in a positive product?
● What is the sign of the product of two negative factors?
● When three factors are multiplied, how is the sign of the product determined?
● How is the numerical value of the product of any two numbers found?

Students can use number lines with arrows and hops, groups of colored chips or logic to explain
their reasoning. When using number lines, establishing which factor will represent length,
number and direction of the hops will facilitate understanding. Through discussion,
generalization of the rules for multiplying integers would be the result.
Division of integers is best understood by relating division to multiplication and applying the
rules. In time, students will transfer the rules to division situations.
Ultimately, students should solve other mathematical and real-world problems requiring the
application of these rules with fractions and decimal.

In Grade 7, the awareness of rational and irrational numbers is initiated by observing the result of
changing fractions to decimals. Students should be provided with families of fractions, such as
sevenths, ninths, thirds, etc. to convert to decimals using long division. The equivalents can be

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Unit 1

grouped and named (terminating or repeating). Students should begin to see why these patterns
occur. Knowing the formal vocabulary rational and irrational is not expected.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT LESSONS (FAL)

Formative Assessment Lessons are intended to support teachers in formative assessment. They
reveal and develop students’ understanding of key mathematical ideas and applications. These
lessons enable teachers and students to monitor in more detail their progress towards the targets
of the standards. They assess students’ understanding of important concepts and problem solving
performance, and help teachers and their students to work effectively together to move each
student’s mathematical reasoning forward.

More information on Formative Assessment Lessons may be found in the Comprehensive

Course Guide.

SPOTLIGHT TASKS
A Spotlight Task has been added to each MGSE mathematics unit in the Georgia resources for
middle and high school. The Spotlight Tasks serve as exemplars for the use of the Standards for
Mathematical Practice, appropriate unit-level Mathematics Georgia Standards of Excellence, and
research-based pedagogical strategies for instruction and engagement. Each task includes teacher
commentary and support for classroom implementation. Some of the Spotlight Tasks are
revisions of existing Georgia tasks and some are newly created. Additionally, some of the
Spotlight Tasks are 3-Act Tasks based on 3-Act Problems from Dan Meyer and Problem-Based
Learning from Robert Kaplinsky.

3-ACT TASKS
A Three-Act Task is a whole group mathematics task consisting of 3 distinct parts: an engaging
and perplexing Act One, an information and solution seeking Act Two, and a solution discussion
and solution revealing Act Three.

More information along with guidelines for 3-Act Tasks may be found in the Comprehensive
Course Guide.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Task Type
Task Name Content Addressed Standards Addressed
Grouping Strategy

Show Me the Sign Learning Task Using models to add or [Link].1

Part 1 Individual/ Partner subtract integers a-d

Show Me the Sign Learning Task Using models to add or [Link].1

Part 2 Individual/ Partner subtract integers a-d

Connect the idea of removing [Link].1

Subtracting Learning Task
quantities to subtracting [Link].1D
Integers Partner/Small Group
integers [Link].3

Spotlight Task Using models to add or

Deep Freeze [Link].3
Individual/ Partner subtract integers

[Link].1
Learning Task Using a number line to add and
Hot Air Balloon a-d
Individual / Partner subtract integers
[Link].3

Sums to zero; operations with [Link].1

Performance Task
Debits and Credits integers (sums and a-d
Individual / Partner
differences); debits and credits [Link].3

[Link].1
Integer Subitizing Practice Task Identify zero pairs within quick
Cards Partner/Small Group images to determine the sum of a-b
integers
Practice Task Adding and subtracting rational
Create Three
Partner/Small Group numbers to create 3 or -3 [Link].1d
Using Positive and Formative Extend understanding of adding
[Link].1
Negative Numbers Assessment Lesson and subtracting to include
[Link].3
in Context (FAL) Partner/Small Group rational numbers
Multiplying integers using a
Multiplying Learning Task [Link].2
number line and counters;
Integers Individual / Partner a-c
properties of numbers
Modeling the Multiplying integers using a
Learning Task [Link].2
Multiplication of number line and counters;
Individual / Partner a-c
Integers properties of numbers

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Patterns of Multiplying and dividing

Learning Task [Link].2
Multiplication and rational numbers; properties of
Individual / Partner a-c
Division numbers

Do It Yourself Practice Task Connecting division of integers [Link].2

Revisited Individual / Partner to dividing rational numbers. a-c

Finding part of a number,

What Does It Performance Task [Link].2d
multiplying fractions and
Cost? Individual/ Partner [Link].3
integers

Converting Changing fractions decimals

Learning Task
Fractions to using long division; looking at [Link].2d
Partner/Small Group
Decimals why
Changing fractions decimals
using long division; looking
The Repeater vs. Learning Task
for patterns between [Link].2d
The Terminator Individual / Partner
terminating and repeating
decimals
Ties together comparing [Link].1
Culminating Task integers, absolute value, a-d
A Poster
Individual / Partner number problems; real world [Link].2
situations a-d
Clues are given related to a [Link].1
Whodunit? The Culminating Task
Undoing of (-7)
number line model to find the a-d,
Individual / Partner
guilty “number”. [Link].2

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Show Me the Sign Part 1 Back to task table

In this task, students will find sums and differences of integers using tools (bead strings and
modified rekenrek). Students will model and explain in words how they arrived at the sum or
difference.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].1 Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction to add and
subtract rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number
line diagram.
[Link].1a Show that a number and its opposite have a sum of 0 (are additive inverses).
Describe situations in which opposite quantities combine to make 0. For example, your bank
account balance is -$25.00. You deposit $25.00 into your account. The net balance is $0.00.
[Link].1b Understand p + q as the number located a distance from p, in the positive or
negative direction depending on whether q is positive or negative. Interpret sums of rational
numbers by describing real world contexts.
[Link].1c Understand subtraction of rational numbers as adding the additive inverse, p – q
= p + (– q). Show that the distance between two rational numbers on the number line is the
absolute value of their difference, and apply this principle in real‐world contexts.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICES

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

● Visual representations may be helpful as students begin this work. If they do not have a
visual to illustrate what is happening when they are adding and subtracting integers, they
will get lost in the symbols and will not know how to combine the absolute value of the
integers.
● Ask students to create their own stories for integer operations and to answer the
following three prompts:
o Where did you start?
o How far did you go?
o Where are you now?

• Students want to subtract by just taking the counter off instead of bringing in a zero pair.
• Students do not always understand the value of a zero pair and how the value stays the
same no matter how many zero pairs you bring.

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

● What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for adding and subtracting
positive and negative rational numbers?

MATERIALS

● Bead strings
● Rekenrek
● Show Me Your Sign recording sheet

GROUPING

Individual or Partner

TASK DESCRIPTION

To combat the misconceptions students have when computing with integers, there are several
tools that will aid in developing an understanding of operations with integers. Beginning with a
bead string number line will help reinforce the quantity of the integers. The bead string can be
created using pony beads and a pipe cleaner or string. Use a black bead to represent zero, white
beads for each positive number and red beads for each negative number.

A modified rekenrek can help align zero pairs when adding and subtracting integers. A
traditional rekenrek has two rows of 10 beads. Each row has five red beads and five white beads.
They’re useful when students are developing the ideas of unitizing, quantity of numbers and
number strategies for addition and subtraction of whole numbers. The modified rekenrek for use
with integers has two rows of ten beads. One row has ten white beads and the second row has
ten red beads. It can be constructed using red and white pony beads, two pipe cleaners and
cardboard or tag board.

It may prove useful to allow each student to construct a bead string and modified rekenrek, as
through construction they will discover every positive integer has a matching negative integer.
Note: To do this with multiple classes, allow time at the end of this initial lesson for
students to deconstruct the tools.

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Activator:
Model for students how to use the bead string and modified rekenrek to add and subtract positive
and negative integers.

Ensure each student has access to a bead string. Students may work with a partner and share a
bead string. Using the bead string, instruct students to add 3 + 2 by moving their finger or
clothes pin 3 beads from zero then 2 more beads. Ask several students at which number did they
land. Record student responses on the board (the correct response is 5). Ask which integers did
they add and record the information on the board (3 and 2).

Now instruct students to move 6 away from zero then back one. Circulate around the room to
monitor students’ movement along the bead string. Ask several students at which number did
they land and record responses on the board. Ask students what integers did they add. Possible
responses may be “6 and -1” or “We did not add, we subtracted”. Use this as an opportunity to
reinforce the idea that adding 6 + (-1) is the same as 6 -1. This can be done by discussing the
movement on the bead string. When adding a negative integer you move in the direction of the
negative integers, to the left. When subtracting positive integers you move in the direction of
zero, to the left. *This is an idea you want students to derive through the use of the bead string.

Distribute the modified rekenrek to each student or pair of students. Rekenrek should be held in
the starting position by moving all beads to the left. Instruct students to compute 3 + 2 by
moving 3 white beads to the far right side of the rekenrek followed by 2 more white beads. Or
students may move 5 white beads based on the understanding of 3 + 2 =5. Ask several students
what quantity is represented on the right and record responses on the board. Clear the rack by
returning beads to the starting position.

Instruct students to show 6 + (-1) on the rekenrek. Circulate to observe how students are moving
the beads. Have student volunteers to show what their rekenrek looks like:

Discuss what students know about the matching white and red bead. Students should conclude it
represents a zero pair. Ask several students what quantity is represented (5).

After the teacher teaches a mini-lesson about how to use models to show addition and
subtraction of positive and negative integers, the students will complete the following learning
task.

Use the bead string and rekenrek to complete the following.

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

1. Using positive integers, find all the combinations with a sum of 5. Explain what method you
used to find the pairs.

Solution: Students should have an understanding of the commutative property of addition.

Integers Sum Equation Method

Explanation of how they used the tool to
0 and +5 5 0+5=5
determine the answer.
Explanation of how they used the tool to
+5 and 0 5 5+0=5
determine the answer.
Explanation of how they used the tool to
+3 and +2 5 3+2=5
determine the answer.

Explanation of how they used the tool to

+2 and +3 5 2+3=5
determine the answer.

Explanation of how they used the tool to

+4 and +1 5 4+1=5
determine the answer.

5 1+4=5 Explanation of how they used the tool to

+1 and +4
determine the answer.

2. What conclusions can you make about the positive integers?

Solution: When positive numbers are added together it gives you a positive solution.

3. Using positive and negative integers, find four pairs of integers with a sum of 5. Explain what
method you used to find the pairs.

Solution: There are several pairs of integers possible for this solution. The solutions below are
examples of what students may model as the answer.

Integers Sum Equation Method

Explanation of how they used the tool to
7 and -2 5 7 + (-2) = 5
determine the answer.
Explanation of how they used the tool to
-5 and +10 5 -5 + 10 = 5
determine the answer.
Explanation of how they used the tool to
+6 and -1 5 6 + (-1) = 5
determine the answer.

Explanation of how they used the tool to

+1and -6 5 1 + (-6) = 5
determine the answer.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

4. What conclusions can you make about the positive and negative integers? Is there a pattern?
Solution: The absolute value for both integers needs to have a difference of five. The positive
number has the bigger absolute.

5. Find a pair of negative integers with a sum of 5. What do you notice about the result? Explain
your findings.
Solution:
The sum of two negative integers will not result in a positive five or any positive number.

6. Find five pairs of integers with a sum of -6. What do you notice about each pairs of integers?
Solution: Answer may vary for five pairs. The difference between the absolute value of the
two numbers should be 6. The negative number will have the bigger absolute value.

7. What generalizations can you make about adding integers?

Summarizer:
For the following examples, write an equation (show numerically) and draw a model using a
bead string or rekenrek to help explain your answer.
Comment:
The use of multiple representations will help students demonstrate their understanding of
adding integers. The connection should be made between all illustrated representations.

a) Explain a + b if both a and b are positive numbers.

Solution:

Equation Students should see that the sum of two positive

a + b = positive number. numbers can only produce a positive result.

b) Explain (a) + (b) if a and b both represent negative numbers.

Solution:

Equation Students should see that the sum of two negative

(a) + (b) = negative number numbers can only produce a negative result.

c) Explain a + (b) if a represents any positive number and (b) represents any negative number.
Comment: Students can use various numbers to illustrate the equation and explain reasoning.

Solution:

Equation
(a) + (b) has a positive result if the distance from 0 to a is greater than the distance from (b)
to 0; |a| is greater than |b|.
(a) + (b) has a negative result if the distance from 0 to a is less than the distance from (b) to
0; |a| is less than |b|.

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

d) Explain b + (a) if b represents any positive number and (a) represents any negative number.
Solution:

Equation
b + (a) has a positive result if the distance from 0 to b is greater than the distance from (a)
to 0; |b| is greater than |a|.
b + (a) has a negative result if the distance from 0 to b is less than the distance from (a) to 0;
|b| is less than |a|.

e) Explain a + b + c if a and b represent positive numbers and (c) represents a negative number.
Solution:
If the sum of a and b is a positive number, then the sum of (a + b) and (c) is positive if |a + b| is
greater than |c|. (This should look similar to the illustration in problem #13.)
If the sum of a and b is a positive number, then the sum of (a + b) and (c) is negative if |a + b|
is less than |c|. (See illustration below.)

DIFFERENTIATION

Extension
● The generalization problems may be more appropriate in an advanced class.
● Have students create expressions with more than two integers.

Intervention
● This lesson could be used as a remediation activity for those students who are struggling
understanding addition and subtraction rules.

Mathematics  GSE Grade 7  Unit 1: Operations with Rational Numbers

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Show Me the Sign Part 1

Use the bead string and rekenrek to complete the following.

1. Using positive integers, find all the combinations with a sum of 5. Explain what method you
used to find the pairs.

Integers Sum Equation Method

2. What conclusions can you make about the positive integers?

3. Using positive and negative integers, find four pairs of integers with a sum of 5. Explain what
method you used to find the pairs.

Integers Sum Equation Method

4. What conclusions can you make about the positive and negative integers? Is there a pattern?

Mathematics  GSE Grade 7  Unit 1: Operations with Rational Numbers

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

5. Find a pair of negative integers with a sum of 5. What do you notice about the result? Explain
your findings.

6. Find five pairs of integers with a sum of -6. What do you notice about each pairs of integers?

7. What generalizations can you make about adding integers?

For the following examples, write an equation (show numerically) and draw a model using a
bead string or rekenrek to help explain your answer.

a) Explain a + b if both a and b are positive numbers.

b) Explain (a) + (b) if a and b both represent negative numbers.

c) Explain a + (b) if a represents any positive number and (b) represents any negative
number.

d) Explain b + (a) if b represents any positive number and (a) represents any negative
number.

e) Explain a + b + c if a and b represent positive numbers and (c) represents a negative

number.

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Show Me the Sign Part 2

Back to task table
In this task, students will find sums and differences of integers using models (two color counters
or number lines). Students will model and explain in words how they arrived at the sum or
difference.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].1 Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction to add and
subtract rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number
line diagram.
[Link].1a Show that a number and its opposite have a sum of 0 (are additive inverses).
Describe situations in which opposite quantities combine to make 0. For example, your bank
account balance is -$25.00. You deposit $25.00 into your account. The net balance is $0.00.
[Link].1b Understand p + q as the number located a distance from p, in the positive or
negative direction depending on whether q is positive or negative. Interpret sums of rational
numbers by describing real world contexts.
[Link].1c Understand subtraction of rational numbers as adding the additive inverse, p – q
= p + (– q). Show that the distance between two rational numbers on the number line is the
absolute value of their difference, and apply this principle in real‐world contexts.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

4. Model with mathematics.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
● Visual representations may be helpful as students begin this work. If they do not have a
visual to illustrate what is happening when they are adding and subtracting integers, they
will get lost in the symbols and will not know how to combine the absolute value of the
integers.
● Ask students to create their own stories for integer operations and to answer the
following three prompts:
o Where did you start?
o How far did you go?
o Where are you now?

Students want to subtract by just taking the counter off instead of bringing in a zero pair.
Students do not always understand the value of a zero pair and how the value stays the same no
matter how many zero pairs you bring.

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

● What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for adding and subtracting
positive and negative rational numbers?

MATERIALS

● colored pencils (red and yellow)

● two – color counters

GROUPING

Individual or Partner

TASK DESCRIPTION
Number lines and counters are useful in demonstrating understanding of operations with
integers.

Example: 4 + (-4)

Number line model

Two-color counters
model

After the teacher teaches a mini-lesson about how to use models to show addition and
subtraction of positive and negative integers, the students will complete the following learning
task.

1. At sunrise, the outside temperature was 1° below zero. By lunch time, the temperature
rose by 17° and then fell by 4° by night. What was the temperature at the end of the day?
Solution: (-1) + 17 – 4=
16 – 4= 12°
Student explanations may vary.

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

2. Sheldon was doing a science experiment about temperature. He first measured the
temperature of some water and found it was 17°C. Then he put the water in the freezer
and recorded the temperature two hours later. It had fallen to -11°C. What was the change
in temperature in two hours?
Solution: 17° -(- 11° )= 28°
Student explanations may vary, but should include that there was a drop in temperature
from 17 ∘ 𝑡𝑜 − 11 ∘ 𝑜𝑓 28 ∘.
3. During an electronics experiment in your laboratory, you measure the voltage at terminal
A on your newly designed circuit. You measure -12 volts. You check the same terminal
after making a small change to the circuit and this time you measure -18 volts. What was
the voltage difference between the two readings?

Solution: (-12) – (-18)=

(-12) + 18= 6
Student explanations may vary.

4. What is the change in temperature a customer in a grocery store experiences when they
walk from the chilled vegetable section at 4 ºC to the frozen fish section which is set to
−18 ºC?
Solution: 4 - (-18) or 4 + 18
22ºC
Student explanations may vary, but should include that there was a drop in temperature
from 4∘ 𝑡𝑜 − 18 ∘ 𝑜𝑓 22 ∘.

DIFFERENTIATION

Extension
● Students can create their own story problems involving the addition and subtraction of
integers. Students can switch problems and solve using the number line strategy or
counters.
● Change the numbers so students work with larger numbers within the problems.

Intervention
● Change the numbers so students first begin working with smaller numbers before
attempting these problems.

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Show Me the Sign Part 2

Use a number line or counters to help you model with mathematics. Explain your answer using
words, numbers and/or pictures.

1. At sunrise, the outside temperature was 1° below zero. By lunch time, the temperature
rose by 17° and then fell by 4° by night. What was the temperature at the end of the day?

2. Sheldon was doing a science experiment about temperature. He first measured the
temperature of some water and found it was 17°C. Then he put the water in the freezer
and recorded the temperature two hours later. It had fallen to -11°C. What was the change
in temperature in two hours?

3. During an electronics experiment in your laboratory, you measure the voltage at terminal
A on your newly designed circuit. You measure -12 volts. You check the same terminal
after making a small change to the circuit and this time you measure -18 volts. What was
the voltage difference between the two readings?

4. What is the change in temperature a customer in a grocery store experiences when they
walk from the chilled vegetable section at 4 ºC to the frozen fish section which is set to
−18 ºC?

Mathematics  GSE Grade 7  Unit 1: Operations with Rational Numbers

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Subtracting Integers
Back to task table
This task will help students connect the idea of removing quantities to subtracting integers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].1 Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction to add and
subtract rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number
line diagram.

[Link].1c Understand subtraction of rational numbers as adding the additive inverse, 𝑝 −

𝑞 = 𝑝 + (−𝑞). Show that the distance between two rational numbers on the number line is
the absolute value of their difference, and apply this principle in real-world contexts.

[Link].1d Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract rational

numbers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICES

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
• Visual representations may be helpful as students begin this work. If they do not have a
visual to illustrate what is happening when they are adding and subtracting integers, they
will get lost in the symbols and will not know how to combine the absolute value of the
integers.
• Ask students to create their own stories for integer operations and to answer the
following three prompts:
o Where did you start?
o How far did you go?
o Where are you now?
Students want to subtract by just taking the counter off instead of bringing in a zero pair.

Students do not always understand the value of a zero pair and how the value stays the same no
matter how many zero pairs you bring.

BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
Often times, teachers use tricks to teach subtracting integers. These tricks undermine the concept
and prevent students from connecting the concept of subtracting positive whole numbers to
subtracting integers. Please refrain from teaching tricks in regards to the operations and signs.
Allow students to derive what is happening through the exploration of this task.

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

The modified rekenerek has two rows, 10 white beads and 10 red beads. The white beads
represent positive quantities while the reds represent negative quantities.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
• What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for adding and subtracting
positive and negative rational numbers?

MATERIALS
• counters
• rekenrek

GROUPING
Individual or Partner

TASK DESCRIPTION
Mini-lesson: Using the rekenrek, ask students to model 6. Write 6-3 on the board. Ask students
what action they will need to do in order to model the expression written. Students should
conclude they will need to take away, remove, subtract, deduct, etc 3 white beads. Record the
verbs used on the board. Students should model the expression using the rekenrek. Enccourgae
students to record in their math notebook/journal an explanation of 6-3 and the equation.
Possible explanation: we removed 3 positives from the 6 positives which left 3 positives.

Instruct students to clear their racks then show -6 or 6 red beads. Record -6-(-3) on the board.
Have students refer back to the verbs from the previous problem. Ask if the verbs still apply.
Students should conclude the verbs still apply because the operation is still subtraction. students
should model the expression by removing 3 red beads leaving 3 red beads. Encourage students
to record an explanation of -6-(-3) along with the equation.

Students should clear their racks, then show positive 6. Record 6-(-3) on the board and ask
students if the same verbs apply. Instruct students to discuss with a neighbor how to model the
expression. Circulate and listen to the ideas shared. Students should conclude there aren’t any
negatives to remove. Ask students if the use of zero pairs would create negatives to remove.
Ask students to determine how many zero pairs are needed (3). Students should model the zero
pairs and check to ensure the quantity shown is still 6 (9 white beads and 3 red beads). Students
should continue to model the expression removing 3 red beads leaving 9 white beads. Encourage
students to record then share an explanation of 6-(-3) along with the equation.

Repeat previous step using -6-3 and -3 – (-6).

Mathematics  GSE Grade 7  Unit 1: Operations with Rational Numbers

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

TASK DIRECTIONS:
Use your rekenrek to model the following problems. Determine if there are any patterns.
1. 4-5 2. 7-9 3. 2-6
What did you notice?
Possible solution: When subtracting a greater positive from a lesser positive, the difference is
negative.

4. -6 - 4 5. -3 – 2 6. -5 – 1
What did you notice?
Possible solution: When subtracting a lesser positive from a greater negative, you must create
positives using zero pairs. The difference will be negative.

7. 3 – (-4) 8. 4 – (-6) 9. 2 – (-8)

What do you notice?
Possible solution: When subtracting a greater negative from a lesser positive, you must create
negatives using zero pairs. The difference is positive. It is just like adding 2 positives.

10. -3 – (-7) 11. – 1 – (-4) 12. – 4 – (-4)

What do you notice?
Possible solution: when subtracting a greater negative from a lesser negative, the answer is
positive. It gives the same results as adding the negative to a positive.

13. -7 – (-3) 14. -4 – (-1) 15. – 5 – (-1)

What did you notice?
Possible solution: when subtracting a lesser negative from a greater negative, the difference
is negative. You get the same result as adding the greater negative to a positive (opposite of
the lesser negative).

DIFFERENTIATION
Extension
Have students apply the concept of subtracting integers using a number line. Students should
view subtracting positives as removing positive spaces and subtracting negatives as removing
negative spaces.

Intervention
Some students may not discover the patterns or rules with one experience. Providing multiple
opportunities to construct their thinking using two color counters or algebra tiles as well as
discussions with peers will aid in developing their understanding.

Mathematics  GSE Grade 7  Unit 1: Operations with Rational Numbers

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Subtracting Integers

Use your rekenrek to model the following problems. Determine if there are any patterns.

1. 4-5 2. 7-9 3. 2-6

What did you notice?

4. -6 - 4 5. -3 – 2 6. -5 – 1

What did you notice?

7. 3 – (-4) 8. 4 – (-6) 9. 2 – (-8)

What do you notice?

10. -3 – (-7) 11. – 1 – (-4) 12. – 4 – (-4)

What do you notice?

13. -7 – (-3) 14. -4 – (-1) 15. – 5 – (-1)

What did you notice?

Mathematics  GSE Grade 7  Unit 1: Operations with Rational Numbers

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Deep Freeze
Back to task table
Task adapted from [Link]

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].3 Solve real‐world and mathematical problems involving the four operations with
rational numbers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
4. Model with mathematics.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

● What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for adding and subtracting
positive and negative rational numbers?

MATERIALS REQUIRED

● Videos for Deep Freeze – 3-Act task

● Recording sheet (attached)

TIME NEEDED

● 1 day

TEACHER NOTES

In this task, students will watch the video, then tell what they noticed. Ask students to discuss
what they wonder or are curious about. These questions will be recorded on a class chart or on
the board. Students will then use mathematics to answer their own questions. Students will be
given information to solve the problem based on need. When they realize they don’t have the
information they need, and ask for it, it will be given to them

Task Description
The following 3-Act Task can be found at: [Link]
More information along with guidelines for 3-Act Tasks may be found in the Comprehensive
Course Guide.

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

ACT 1:
Watch the video:
● What’s the temperature in Duluth, Minnesota? Estimate
● Write an estimate you know is too high. Write an estimate you know is too low.

ACT 2:
● It is 7 degrees in Atlanta, Georgia
● There is a 31 degree difference in the temperature between Atlanta and Duluth
Minnesota.

ACT 3
Students will compare and share solution strategies.
● Reveal the answer. Discuss the theoretical math versus the practical outcome.
● How appropriate was your initial estimate?
● Share student solution paths. Start with most common strategy.
● Revisit any initial student questions that weren’t answered.

ACT 4
● Have students identify the temperature difference between 5 different cities

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Task Title: ________________________ Name:________________________

Adapted from Andrew Stadel
ACT 1
What did/do you notice?

What questions come to your mind?

Main Question:_______________________________________________________________

Estimate the result of the main question? Explain?

Place an estimate that is too high and too low on the number line

Low estimate Place an “x” where your estimate belongs High estimate

ACT 2
What information would you like to know or do you need to solve the MAIN question?

Record the given information (measurements, materials, etc…)

If possible, give a better estimate using this information:_______________________________

Mathematics  GSE Grade 7  Unit 1: Operations with Rational Numbers

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Act 2 (con’t)
Use this area for your work, tables, calculations, sketches, and final solution.

ACT 3
What was the result?

Which Standards for Mathematical Practice did you use?

□ Make sense of problems & persevere in solving them □ Use appropriate tools strategically.

□ Reason abstractly & quantitatively □ Attend to precision.

□ Construct viable arguments & critique the reasoning

□ Look for and make use of structure.
of others.
□ Look for and express regularity in repeated
□ Model with mathematics.
reasoning.

Mathematics  GSE Grade 7  Unit 1: Operations with Rational Numbers

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Hot Air Balloon Back to task table

Used with permission by Susan Mercer, [Link]

In this task, students will use a concrete model to help them understand how to add and subtract
integers. The vertical position of the hot air balloon is determined by adding or removing a
number of helium bags (or gas bags), which represent positive integers, and sand bags, which
represent negative integers. This activity provides a dynamic hand-made manipulative designed
to help students understand addition and subtraction of positive and negative numbers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].1 Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction to add and
subtract rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number
line diagram.
[Link].1a Show that a number and its opposite have a sum of 0 (are additive inverses).
Describe situations in which opposite quantities combine to make 0. For example, your bank
account balance is -$25.00. You deposit $25.00 into your account. The net balance is $0.00.
[Link].1b Understand p + q as the number located a distance from p, in the positive or
negative direction depending on whether q is positive or negative. Interpret sums of rational
numbers by describing real world contexts.
[Link].1c Understand subtraction of rational numbers as adding the additive inverse, p – q
= p + (– q). Show that the distance between two rational numbers on the number line is the
absolute value of their difference, and apply this principle in real‐world contexts.
[Link].1d Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract rational numbers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
4. Model with mathematics
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

Visual representations may be helpful as students begin this work. If they do not have a visual to
illustrate what is happening when they are adding and subtracting integers, they will get lost in
the symbols and will not know how to combine the absolute value of the integers.
o Students may struggle with the generalization section. It is very abstract and may be
difficult because the algebra unit has not been done.
o In part III, students have been taught when they see parenthesis it represents
multiplication. The signs shown in this part do not mean multiplication but are there for
spacing purposes when there are multiple signs/operations.

Mathematics  GSE Grade 7  Unit 1: Operations with Rational Numbers

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

● What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for adding and subtracting
positive and negative rational numbers?

MATERIALS

● Balloon model (1 index card per student)

● Vertical number lines drawn on graph paper
● 3 colors per student (colored pencils, pens, or markers)
● rulers

GROUPING

Individual / Partner

TASK DESCRIPTION

I. INTRODUCTION: Model with mathematics and use tools strategically (SMP 4 & 5)

1. Have students draw a vertical number line on ¼ inch graph paper. Students need
to use the lines of the graph paper and number the vertical number line using three
different colors- one color for the positive numbers, one color for the negative
numbers, and another color for zero.
2. Give each student an index card and tell them to draw a hot air balloon and an
arrow.
3. Model and discuss with students what makes a
balloon go up and what makes it go down.
-Gas bags (hot air) make the balloon go up
-Sand bags make the balloon go down

4. Tell students, “We are going to write bags of gas as

positive numbers, for example 3 bags of gas will be
expressed as +3 and 10 bags of gas will be expressed as
+10. Bags of sand will be expressed as negative
numbers, for example 5 bags of sand will be expressed
as (-5) and 7 bags of sand will be expressed as (-7).”

The Hot Air Balloon Model

Sand bags (negative integers) and Hot Air bags (positive integers) can be used to illustrate operations
with integers. Bags can be put on (added to) the balloon or taken off (subtracted).

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Here is an example: -3 - (-4) = ?

● The balloon starts at -3 (think of the balloon being 3
feet below sea level or 3 feet below the level of a
canyon) and you take off 4 sand bags.
● Now, think about what happens to a balloon if you
remove sand bags, the balloon gets lighter. So, the
balloon would go up 4 units.
If you think in terms of a vertical number line, it would
start at -3 and end up at 1, so -3 - (-4) = 1. To help
students make the connection between -3 - (-4) and -3 +
(+4), present the addition and subtraction questions using
the same numbers.
Another example would include the first addition question as 9 + (-5) and the first subtraction question
would then be 9 - (+5). The students see that putting on 5 sand bags (negative) produces the same result
as taking off 5 hot air bags (positive).

Hand out the page “What happens when…” and complete it along with the students. Model each
situation with a vertical number line and a hot air balloon (index card) or some other type of
model.
II. Reason quantitatively (SMP 2): What happens to
Mathematically
the balloon when…

3 bags of gas (+3)

Add bags of gas Balloon goes up
10 bags of gas (+10)

3 bags of sand (-3)

Add bags of sand Balloon goes down
10 bags of sand (-10)

Subtract 3 bags of gas – (+3)

Subtract bags of gas Balloon goes down
Subtract 10 bags of gas – (+10)

Subtract 3 bags of sand –(-3)

Subtract bags of sand Balloon goes up
Subtract 10 bags of sand – (-10)

Mathematics  GSE Grade 7  Unit 1: Operations with Rational Numbers

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

TASK DIRECTIONS:

When using hot air balloons to add or subtract integers, there are several important things to
remember:

● The first number indicates where the balloon starts.

● The sign tells you if you will be adding or subtracting something from the balloon. An
addition sign tells you that you will be adding something to the hot air balloon and a
subtraction sign tells you that you will be subtracting something from the balloon
● The second number tells you what you will add or subtract from the balloon (either bags
of gas if the number is positive or bags of sand if the number is negative).

Use a number line and a model of a hot air balloon. Model each problem and answer the
questions that follow; the first one gives you hints as to the types of answers you should
give.

1. Where does the balloon start? (#)________

2. Do you add or subtract something from the balloon? (operation)_________________
3. What do you add or subtract from the balloon? (# bags of?)_____________________
4. Where does the balloon end up? (#)___________
Solution:
1. -3
2. Add
3. 6 bags of gas
4. 3

5. Where does the balloon end up?_______________

Solution:
5. -3

-3 + -5
6. Where does the balloon end up?_______________
Solution:
6. -8
What do you think happens to the balloon if you take away sand instead of adding sand?
Solution:
The balloon will go up

7. Where does the balloon start?________________

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8. Do you add or subtract something from the balloon?______________________________

9. What do you add or subtract from the balloon?__________________________________
10. Where does the balloon end up?_______________

Solution:
7. -3
8. Subtract
9. Nine bags of sand
10. 6

What do you think happens to the balloon if you take away gas bags instead of adding gas bags?

Solution:
The balloon will go down.

11. Where does the balloon end up?_______________

Solution:
11. -3

12. Where does the balloon end up?_______________

Solution:
12.-8

For the following questions, look for patterns that you discovered in sections I-IV. Model the
expressions with your balloon and number line to answer each. Describe what you did with the
air balloon. Be sure to include where you began, whether you added or subtracted bags, what
types of bags, and your ending point in relation to your starting point.

Sample: If a and b are positive numbers, explain a+b

I will begin with my balloon above zero to represent a on the number line. Next, I would
continue to move my balloon further up on the number line to represent the addition of a positive
number (b). This models adding a gas bag to my balloon. My final destination would definitely
be above zero on the number line, making my final answer positive.

1. If a and b are positive numbers, explain (-a) + (-b)

Solution: negative; I began below zero to represent (-a), then I added sand bags to represent
the addition of (-b). My final position was below zero.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

***The following questions are very abstract and require a high depth of knowledge, answers
will vary.

2. If a and b are positive numbers, explain a + (-b)

Solution: I began above zero to represent a on the number line. Next, I will move down the
number line to model the addition of sand bags. My final destination could be either above or
below zero, it depends on the value of a and b. There is not enough information to determine
whether or not the final destination of the balloon is above or below zero. ***Some students
may be ready to make the connection between the fact that adding sand bags is the same as
subtracting gas bags at this point. They will need to be able to see that the plus sign is not
necessary in the expression a+ (-b) in order to describe this connection.

3. If a and b are positive numbers, explain a - (-b)

Solution: I began above zero to represent a on the number line. Next, I will move up the
number line to model taking away sand bags. Taking away sand bags is essentially the same
as adding gas bags. My final destination will definitely be above zero on the number line,
making my final answer positive, regardless of the numerical value of a and b. ***Students
hopefully will make the connection at this point that subtraction of a negative requires the
same movement of the hot air balloon up the number line as addition of a positive.

4. If a and b are positive numbers explain a - b; describe this situation two ways: use the idea of
the subtraction of gas bags and the addition of sand bags in your explanation
Solution: I began above zero to represent a on the number line. Next, I will move down the
number line to model the subtraction of gas bags. My final destination could be either above
or below zero, it depends on the value of a and b. There is not enough information to
determine whether or not the final destination of the balloon is above or below zero.

5. If a and b are positive numbers explain (-a) - (-b)

Solution: I began below zero to represent -a on the number line. Next, I will move up the
number line to model the subtraction of sand bags. My final destination could be either above
or below zero, it depends on the value of a and b. There is not enough information to
determine whether or not the final destination of the balloon is above or below zero***Some
students may be ready to make the connection between the fact that subtracting sand bags is
the same as adding gas bags at this point. This understanding will hopefully lead them to see
that subtraction of a negative is essentially the same movement on the number line as adding a
positive.

6. If a and b are positive numbers explain (-a) + b

Solution: I began below zero to represent -a on the number line. Next, I will move up the
number line to model the addition of gas bags. My final destination could be either above or
below zero, it depends on the value of a and b. There is not enough information to determine
whether or not the final destination of the balloon is above or below zero***This question
could lead to a discussion about absolute value and why it is an important concept when
adding and subtracting integers.
7. If a, b, and c are all positive numbers, explain a + b+ (-c)
Solution: I began above zero to represent a on the number line. Next, I will move up the
number line to model the addition of gas bags (b). My last movement will be down the nuber

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

line to represent the addition of sand bags (or the subtraction of gas bags). My final
destination could be either above or below zero, it depends on the value of a and b. There is
not enough information to determine whether or not the final destination of the balloon is
above or below zero***This question can further emphasize the importance of the absolute
values of the variables a, b, and c when determining the location of the final answer on the
number line.

Investigate these conjectures.

1. What happened when you were adding integers that had the same signs; (-a) + (-b) and a + b?
Solution: In both cases, wherever you begin on the number line, you continue moving in the
direction of where you started in relation to zero on the number line. For example, if you start
below zero and add a negative, you continue to move down the number line further away from
zero. If you begin above zero, you continue to move above zero when adding another positive.

2. What rule can you make by your discovery? Explain.

Solution: answers will vary-when adding integers with the same signs, add the numbers and
keep the sign the same. When adding integers of the same sign, you are either beginning
below zero (in the negatives) and remaining in the negatives or beginning above zero (in the
positive numbers) and remaining above zero.

3. What happened when you were adding integers that have different signs (a positive integer
and a negative integer: (-a) + b and a + (-b))?
Solution: answers will vary-when adding integers with different signs, if you begin below zero,
you will move the opposite direction; towards zero, up. If you begin above zero you will move
down the number line when adding a negative.

4. What rule can you make by your discovery? Explain.

Solution: answers will vary-when adding integers with different signs, subtract and keep the
sign of the number that was furthest away from zero (your starting point on the number line).

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Hot Air Balloon

I. Make a balloon model and vertical number line.

When using hot air balloons to add or subtract integers, there are several important things to
remember. They are:

● The first number indicates where the balloon starts.

● The sign tells you if you will be adding or subtracting something from the balloon. An
addition sign tells you that you will be adding something to the hot air balloon and a
subtraction sign tells you that you will be subtracting something from the balloon
● The second number tells you what you will add or subtract from the balloon (either bags
of gas if the number is positive or bags of sand if the number is negative).

II. Reason quantitatively: What happens to the

Mathematically
balloon when…

Fill in the blanks: (up or Fill in the blanks: ( + or - )

down)
Add bags of gas
3 bags of gas (___3)
Balloon goes ________ 10 bags of gas (___10)

3 bags of sand (____3)

Add bags of sand Balloon goes ________
10 bags of sand (____10)

Subtract 3 bags of
gas___(___3)
Subtract bags of gas Balloon goes ________
Subtract 10 bags of gas
___(__10)
Subtract 3 bags of sand __(__3)
Subtract bags of sand Balloon goes ________ Subtract 10 bags of sand
___(___10)

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GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

II. Use a number line and a model of a hot air balloon. Model each problem and
answer the questions that follow; the first one gives you hints as to the types of
answers you should give.

When using hot air balloons to add or subtract integers, there are several important things
to remember:
● The first number indicates where the balloon starts.
● The sign tells you if you will be adding or subtracting something from the balloon. An
addition sign tells you that you will be adding something to the hot air balloon and a
subtraction sign tells you that you will be subtracting something from the balloon
● The second number tells you what you will add or subtract from the balloon (either bags
of gas if the number is positive or bags of sand if the number is negative).

1. Where does the balloon start? (#)________

2. Do you add or subtract something from the balloon? (operation)_________________
3. What do you add or subtract from the balloon? (# bags of?) ___________________
4. Where does the balloon end up? (#)___________

5. Where does the balloon end up?_______________

-3 + -5
6. Where does the balloon end up?_______________

What do you think happens to the balloon if you take away sand instead of adding sand?

7. Where does the balloon start?________________

8. Do you add or subtract something from the balloon?_________________________
9. What do you add or subtract from the balloon?_____________________________
10. Where does the balloon end up?_______________

What do you think happens to the balloon if you take away gas bags instead of adding gas bags?

11. Where does the balloon end up?_______________

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

12. Where does the balloon end up?_______________

III. For the following questions, look for patterns that you discovered in sections I and
II. Model the expressions with your balloon and number line to answer each.
Describe what you did with the air balloon. Be sure to include where you began,
whether you added or subtracted bags, what types of bags, and your ending point in
relation to your starting point.

Sample: If a and b are positive numbers, explain a+b

I will begin with my balloon above zero to represent a on the number line. Next, I would
continue to move my balloon further up on the number line to represent the addition of a
positive number (b). This models adding a gas bag to my balloon. My final destination
would definitely be above zero on the number line, making my final answer positive.

1. If a and b are positive numbers, explain (-a) + (-b)

2. If a and b are positive numbers, explain a + (-b)

3. If a and b are positive numbers, explain a - (-b)

4. If a and b are positive numbers explain a - b; describe this situation two ways: use the idea of
the subtraction of gas bags and the addition of sand bags in your explanation

5. If a and b are positive numbers explain (-a) - (-b)

6. If a and b are positive numbers explain (-a) + b

7. If a, b, and c are all positive numbers, explain a + b+ (-c)

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Investigate these conjectures.

1. What happened when you were adding integers that had the same signs; (-a) + (-b) and a + b?

2. What rule can you make by your discovery? Explain.

3. What happened when you were adding integers that have different signs (a positive integer
and a negative integer: (-a) + b and a + (-b))?

4. What rule can you make by your discovery? Explain.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Debits and Credits

Back to task table
In this task, students will use a check register to record debits and credits and calculate a running
total balance.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].1 Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction to add and
subtract rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number
line diagram.
[Link].1a Show that a number and its opposite have a sum of 0 (are additive inverses).
Describe situations in which opposite quantities combine to make 0. For example, your bank
account balance is -$25.00. You deposit $25.00 into your account. The net balance is $0.00.
[Link].1b Understand p + q as the number located a distance from p, in the positive or
negative direction depending on whether q is positive or negative. Interpret sums of rational
numbers by describing real world contexts.
[Link].1c Understand subtraction of rational numbers as adding the additive inverse, p – q
= p + (– q). Show that the distance between two rational numbers on the number line is the
absolute value of their difference, and apply this principle in real‐world contexts.
[Link].1d Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract rational numbers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

Visual representations may be helpful as students begin this work. If they do not have a visual to
illustrate what is happening when they are adding and subtracting integers, they will get lost in
the symbols and will not know how to combine the absolute value of the integers.
• Students may struggle with the vocabulary since there are many different ways to debit
your account.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

● What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for adding and subtracting
positive and negative rational numbers?

MATERIALS
Student Ledger Sheet

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

GROUPING
Partner / Individual

TASK DESCRIPTION

Learning Task: DEBITS AND CREDITS

Suggestion- Bring an actual check register to show and demonstrate the situations in the
task.

Suppose you have been given a checkbook. Your checkbook has a ledger for you to record your
transactions. There are two types of transactions that may take place, (1) deposits (money placed
in the account) and (2) debits/ payments (money which you spend and it comes out of the
account). The difference between debits/payments and deposits tells the value of the account. If
there are more credits than debits, the account is positive, or “in the black.” If there are more
debits than credits, the account is in debt, shows a negative cash value, or is “in the red.”

Vocabulary key –
Transaction = debit or credit from an account
Debit (withdrawl) = Check or debit card usage written out of the checking account
Credit= Deposit of money put in the account

Situation #1:
Use the ledger to record the information and answer the questions.
Note: On August 12, your beginning balance is $0.00 (This will be the first line in the ledger.)

1. On August 16, you receive a check from your Grandmother for $40 for your birthday.
2. On August 16, you receive a check from your Parents for $100 for your birthday.
3. On August 17, you purchase a pair of pants from Old Navy for $23.42.
4. On August 18, you find $5.19 in change during the day.
5. On August 19, you purchase socks from Wal-Mart for $12.76.

Comment
The ledger below shows the transactions.
PAYMENT DEPOSIT
DATE TRANSACTION (-) (+) BALANCE
8.12 Beginning Balance 0.00
8.16 Money from Grandma $40.00 $40.00
8.16 Money from Parents $100.00 $140.00
8.17 Old Navy $23.42 $116.58
8.18 Found Change $5.19 $121.77
8.19 Wal-Mart $12.76 $109.01

A. What is your balance after five transactions?

Solution
$109.01

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

B. How much money did you deposit (show as a positive value)?

Solution
$145.19

C. How much money did you pay or withdraw (show as a negative value)?
Solution
$-36.18

Situation #2:
Use the ledger to record the information and answer the questions.
Note: On May 5, your beginning balance is $8.00
1. On May 6, you spent $4.38 on a gallon of ice cream at Marty’s Ice Cream Parlor.
2. On May 7, you spent $3.37 on crackers, a candy bar, and a coke from Circle H convenience
store.
3. On May 8, you received $10 for cutting the neighbor’s grass.
4. On May 8, you spent $14.80 on a downloaded book for your Kindle.

Comment
The ledger below shows the transactions.
PAYMENT DEPOSIT
DATE TRANSACTION (-) (+) BALANCE
5.5 Beginning Balance $8.00
Marty’s Ice Cream
5.6 Parlor $4.38 $3.62
5.7 Circle H Convenience $3.37 $.25
5.8 Cutting Grass $10.00 $10.25
5.8 Book for Kindle $14.80 $-4.55
A. What is your balance after four transactions?
Solution
There is no money left. There is a negative balance of $4.55.

B. How much money did you deposit (show as a positive value)?

Solution
$10.00

C. How much money did you pay or withdraw (show as a negative value)?
Solution
$-22.55
D. Can you really afford to spend $14.80 on a book for your Kindle? If not, how much money
do you need to earn to have an account balance of $0?

Solution
No. I need to deposit another $4.55 to have an account balance of $0.

Situation #3:
Use the ledger to record the information and answer the questions.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Note: On July 4, your beginning balance is (-$40).

Show, using at least eight transactions, a way you can have an ending account balance of more
than $145. You must include debit and credit amounts that have cents in at least five of your
transactions. Your ledger must show both credits and debits. Be sure to fill out the ledger as you
go.
Comment

Answers will vary. An example is given below.

PAYMENT
DATE TRANSACTION (-) DEPOSIT (+) BALANCE
7.4 Beginning balance $-40.00
7.5 Allowance $20.50 $-19.50
7.12 Allowance $20.50 $1.00
7.14 Cutting Grass $10.00 $11.00
Yard Sale: Video
7.15 Game $8.25 $2.75
7.17 Birthday money $100.00 $102.75
7.19 Wal-Mart $8.43 $94.32
7.20 Allowance $20.50 $114.82
7.27 Allowance $20.50 $135.32
Money for Extra
7.31 Chore $15.50 $150.82

DIFFERENTIATION

Extensions:

Situation #3 could be used as an extension activity. Also, you could extend the assignment to
include a monthly budget. Use newspapers or technology so students find an apartment they can
afford, a grocery budget, entertainment, and within a given income (ie. $1000 a month).

Intervention:

Only working through situations #1 and #2 would cover the standards.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Debits and Credits

Suppose you have been given a checkbook. Your checkbook has a ledger for you to record your
transactions. There are two types of transactions that may take place, (1) deposits (money placed in the
account) and (2) debits/ payments (money which you spend and it comes out of the account). The
difference between debits and the deposits tells the value of the account. If there are more credits than
debits, the account is positive, or “in the black”. “in the black.” If there are more debits than credits, the
account is in debt, shows a negative cash value, or is “in the red.”

Vocabulary key –
Transaction = debit or credit from an account
Debit (withdrawal) = Check or debit card usage written out of the checking account
Credit= Deposit of money put in the account

Situation #1:
Use the ledger to record the information and answer the questions.
Note: On August 12, your beginning balance is $0.00
1. On August 16, you receive a check from your Grandmother for $40 for your birthday.
2. On August 16, you receive a check from your Parents for $100 for your birthday.
3. On August 17, you purchase a pair of pants from Old Navy for $23.42.
4. On August 18, you find $5.19 in change during the day.
5. On August 19, you purchase socks from Wal-Mart for $12.76.

PAYMENT DEPOSIT
DATE TRANSACTION (-) (+) BALANCE
8/12 Beginning balance $0.00

A. What is your balance after five transactions?

B. How much money did you deposit (show as a positive value)?

C. How much money did you pay or withdraw (show as a negative value)?

Situation #2:
Use the ledger to record the information and answer the questions.

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Note: On May 5, your beginning balance is $8.00

1. On May 6, you spent $4.38 on a gallon of ice cream at Marty’s Ice Cream Parlor.
2. On May 7, you spent $3.37 on crackers, a candy bar, and a coke from Circle H convenience
store.
3. On May 8, you received $10 for cutting the neighbor’s grass.
4. On May 8, you spent $14.80 on a downloaded book for your Kindle.

PAYMENT DEPOSIT
DATE TRANSACTION (-) (+) BALANCE

A. What is your balance after four transactions?

B. How much money did you deposit (show as a positive value)?

C. How much money did you pay or withdraw (show as a negative value)?

D. Can you really afford to spend $14.80 on a book for your Kindle? If not, how much money
do you need to earn to have an account balance of $0?

Situation #3:
Use the ledger to record the information and answer the questions.
Note: On July 4, your beginning balance is (-$40).

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Requirements:
● Use at least eight transactions, four of which are debits and four are credits.
● You must have an ending balance of $145.
● You must include debit and credit amounts that have cents in at least five of your
transactions.
Be sure to fill out the ledger as you go.

PAYMENT
DATE TRANSACTION (-) DEPOSIT (+) BALANCE

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Integer Subitizing Cards Back to task table

In this task, students will identify zero pairs within quick images to determine the sum of
integers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].1 Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction to add and
subtract rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number
line diagram.
[Link].1a Show that a number and its opposite have a sum of 0 (are additive inverses).
Describe situations in which opposite quantities combine to make 0. For example, your bank
account balance is -$25.00. You deposit $25.00 into your account. The net balance is $0.00.
[Link].1b Understand p + q as the number located a distance from p, in the positive or
negative direction depending on whether q is positive or negative. Interpret sums of rational
numbers by describing real world contexts.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

2. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

3. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
4. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.

BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE

Subitizing is the ability to instantly see “how many”. It is often used in primary grades as
students begin decomposing and recomposing quantities while associating them with the
numerals they represent. This idea has been connected to positive and negative numbers and
zero pairs.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

● What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for adding and subtracting
positive and negative rational numbers?

MATERIALS

● Subitizing cards
● Numeral cards
● Whiteboard
● Dry erase markers

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

GROUPING

Individual or Partner

TASK DESCRIPTION

How to use the cards:

• Show a card to students for 3-5 seconds.
• Ask students what do you see and how do you see it? Encourage students to record what
they see on a whiteboard. Call on various students to share how they “see” or determine
the quantity on the card. Be sure to allot for time to have several students share their
strategies. Listen for students to express how they used the concept of zero pairs to
determine the sum.

• A matching game can be played with the dot cards and numeral cards.
DIFFERENTIATION

Extension
● Encourage students to create more complex integer subitizing cards with various
arrangements. Students can work with a partner to practice quickly identifying zero pairs
and determining the sum.

Intervention
● Have students use manipulatives to model the integer cards before discussing the quantity
of the cards.
● Encourage students to identify zero pairs to help determine the sum.

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5 3

2 -4

0 -1

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GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

1 -2

-2 -6

0 1

5 -5
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GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

2 -1

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GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Create Three Back to task table

In this game, students will add and/or subtract rational numbers in order to get a sum of 3 or -3.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].1 Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction to add and
subtract rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number
line diagram.
[Link].1a Show that a number and its opposite have a sum of 0 (are additive inverses).
Describe situations in which opposite quantities combine to make 0. For example, your bank
account balance is -$25.00. You deposit $25.00 into your account. The net balance is $0.00.
[Link].1b Understand p + q as the number located a distance from p, in the positive or
negative direction depending on whether q is positive or negative. Interpret sums of rational
numbers by describing real world contexts.
[Link].1c Understand subtraction of rational numbers as adding the additive inverse, p – q
= p + (– q). Show that the distance between two rational numbers on the number line is the
absolute value of their difference, and apply this principle in real‐world contexts.
[Link].1d Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract rational numbers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

2. Reason quantitatively and abstractly.
3. Critique the reasoning of others.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

Visual representations may be helpful as students begin this work. If they do not have a visual to
illustrate what is happening when they are adding and subtracting integers, they will get lost in
the symbols and will not know how to combine the absolute value of the integers.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

● What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for adding and subtracting
positive and negative rational numbers?

MATERIALS
• Create Three game board
• Different color counters (1 color for each player)

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

GROUPING
Partner / Small groups

TASK DESCRIPTION

Play with a partner. Each player chooses a fraction to place their counter on. Take turns moving
your counter to another faction along the lines only. Add the new fraction to your total. The
first player to make exactly three or negative three is the winner. Go over three or under
negative three and you lose the game. Players use an additional counter to keep a running total
along the number line.

DIFFERENTIATION

Extensions:

Record the strategy used to win the game. Explain if this strategy would work every time you
played the game and why you believe it will.
Intervention:

Provide fraction strips or tiles for students to use as they add and subtract fractions.
Make an explicit connection between adding and subtracting whole numbers to adding and
subtracting fractions. This can be done using a number line. It is important for students to see
the movements occur on a number line to make the connection.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Create Three

__ 5 7
8 8

1
1
2
8

3 __
1
4 4

3 2
8 __
4

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Using Positive and Negative Numbers in Context Back to task table

(Concept Development)
This lesson unit is intended to help you assess how well students are able to understand and use
directed numbers in context. It is intended to help identify and aid students who have difficulties
in ordering, comparing, adding, and subtracting positive and negative integers.

Source: Formative Assessment Lesson Materials from Mathematics Assessment Project

[Link]

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

Apply and extend previous understandings of operations with fractions to add, subtract,
multiply, and divide rational numbers.
[Link].1 Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction to add and
subtract rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number
line diagram.
[Link].1a Show that a number and its opposite have a sum of 0 (are additive inverses).
Describe situations in which opposite quantities combine to make 0. For example, your bank
account balance is -$25.00. You deposit $25.00 into your account. The net balance is $0.00.
[Link].1b Understand p + q as the number located a distance from p, in the positive or
negative direction depending on whether q is positive or negative. Interpret sums of rational
numbers by describing real world contexts.
[Link].1c Understand subtraction of rational numbers as adding the additive inverse, p – q
= p + (– q). Show that the distance between two rational numbers on the number line is the
absolute value of their difference, and apply this principle in real‐world contexts.
[Link].1d Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract rational numbers.
[Link].3 Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving the four operations with
rational numbers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
4. Model with mathematics.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

● What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for adding and subtracting
positive and negative rational numbers?

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

TASK COMMENTS

Tasks and lessons from the Mathematics Assessment Project are specifically designed to help
teachers effectively formatively assess their students. The way the tasks and lessons are designed
gives the teacher a clear understanding of what the students are able to do and not do. Within the
lesson, teachers will find suggestions and question prompts that will help guide students towards
understanding. For more information access the MAP website:
[Link]

The task, Using Positive and Negative Numbers in Context, is a Formative Assessment Lesson
(FAL) that can be found at the website:
[Link]

The FAL document provides a clear lesson design, from the opening of the lesson to the closing
of the lesson.

The PDF version of the task can be found at the link below:
[Link]

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Multiplying Integers Back to task table

In this task, students will use a number line and counters to multiply positive and negative
integers. Using patterns from multiplication of positive and negative integers, students will apply
the same patterns to division of positive and negative integers. Prior to students completing the
task, an introduction or mini-lesson showing students how to use a number line to show
multiplication should be used. Students need experiences with this process prior to completing
the task. The introduction below may be used to introduce the concept.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].2 Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division and of
fractions to multiply and divide rational numbers.
[Link].2a Understand that multiplication is extended from fractions to rational numbers by
requiring that operations continue to satisfy the properties of operations, particularly the
distributive property, leading to products such as (- 1)(– 1) = 1 and the rules for multiplying
signed numbers. Interpret products of rational numbers by describing real‐world contexts.
[Link].2b Understand that integers can be divided, provided that the divisor is not zero,
and every quotient of integers (with non‐zero divisor) is a rational number. If p and q are integers
then – (p/q) = (– p)/q = p/(–q). Interpret quotients of rational numbers by describing real‐world
contexts.
[Link].2c Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide rational
numbers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Construct viable argues and critique the reasoning of others.-
4. Model with mathematics.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

• Visualizing multiplication is a very difficult concept for students to comprehend. You

may have some learners that find the task more confusing than helpful depending on their
understanding of how concrete examples apply to abstract concepts.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

● What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for adding, subtracting,
multiplying, and dividing positive and negative rational numbers?
MATERIALS

● Two colored counters

GROUPING

• Individual / Partner
TASK DESCRIPTION

Activator

To introduce the concept of multiplying integers, help students make the connection between this
and multiplying positive whole numbers.

Let’s begin with 3 x 3. Using counters, have students model 3 groups of positive 3. Ask a
student to explain how they modeled the expression. Record their thinking on an empty number
line. An empty number line is a line without designated numbers.

The student should explain they began with 0 counters and added 3 positive counters a total of 3
times. +(+3) +(+3) +(+3)

0 +3 +6 +9

Have students model 3 x -3 using the counters. Ask a student to explain how they modeled the
expression. Record their thinking on an empty number line.

The student should explain they began with 0 counters and added 3 negative counters a total of 3
times.

+(-3) +(-3) +(-3)

0 -3 -6 -9

Have students model -3 x 3 using the counters. Circulate around the room to see how students
are grappling with the idea of having negative 3 groups of 3. Look for students who:
• Apply the commutative property to make sense of the expression.
• Attempt to make zero pairs to make sense of the expression but become stuck.

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GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

• Attempt to make zero pairs and remove 3 groups of positive 3.

Explain to students, with the previous examples, they began with 0 and repeatedly added the
quantities, so they used repeated addition when creating the positive groups. Since the groups
are no longer positive, they are the opposite; students should perform the opposite operation,
repeated subtraction. With this model, students should remove 3 groups of positive 3 from 0.

Allow students the opportunity to discuss with a partner how to model removing from 0.
0 can be created through the use of zero pairs, +a + (-a) = 0. Instruct students create enough zero
pairs in which 3 groups of positive 3 can be removed. Once this is modeled, instruct students to
remove the 3 groups of +3. Ask students what quantity is left over. With a total of 9 positive
counters removed, there should be -9 counters left over.

Record this thinking on an empty number line.

-(+3) -(+3) -(+3)

0 -3 -6 -9

Have students model -3 x -3 using the counters. Circulate around the room to see how students
are grappling with the idea of having negative 3 groups of -3. Look for students who:
• Attempt to apply a pattern determined from the previous models.
• Attempt to make zero pairs to make sense of the expression but become stuck.
• Attempt to make zero pairs and remove 3 groups of negative 3.

Allow students the opportunity to discuss with a partner how to model removing from 0.
0 can be created through the use of zero pairs, +a + (-a) = 0. Instruct students create enough zero
pairs in which 3 groups of negative 3 can be removed. Once this is modeled, instruct students to
remove the 3 groups of -3. Ask students what quantity is left over. With a total of 9 negative
counters removed, there should be 9 counters left over.

Record this thinking on an empty number line.

-(-3) -(-3) -(-3)

0 3 6 9

Apply the conventions within a context. Try these problems on your own. Model each problem
using counters or an empty number line. Record the equation and model on your paper.

1. Mr. Fletcher’s bank account is assessing a $5 withdrawal fee for everyday it is under
$500. It has been a total of 4 days under $500. What amount will the bank withdraw
from his account?

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers
+(-5) +(-5) +(-5) +(-5)

0 -5 -10 -15 -20

Mr. Fletcher has withdrawn $20 from his account. Students may also choose to model
the problem using 4 groups of 5 red counters which represents 4 groups of -5.
2. Billy is participating in a biggest Loser competition. His goal is to lose 3 pounds a
week. If Billy meets his goal every week for 6 weeks, how much weight will he lose?
-3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3

0 -3 -6 -9 -12 -15 -18

Billy has lost 18 pounds. Students may also model the problem with 6 groups of 3
red counters to represent 6 groups of -3.

3. Mike’s son has to pay his dad $7 for every pound he loses. Mike has lost 5 pounds.
How much money does his son owe him?
Mike is owed $35.

Summarize
Students should be asked to answer these questions and prove their responses.
• Is it always true that multiplying a negative factor by a positive factor results in a negative
product?
• Does a positive factor times a positive factor always result in a positive product?
• What is the sign of the product of two negative factors?
• How is the numerical value of the product of any two numbers found?

DIFFERENTIATION

Extension:
● Have students develop generalized conjectures about multiplying integers and explain
them. For example, +a x –b = -c because a groups of –b added to 0 is –c.

Intervention:
● For students who struggle with the empty number line. Encourage them to continue
modeling the problems using the two colored counters.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Multiplying Integers

Apply the conventions within a context. Try these problems on your own. Model each problem
using counters or an empty number line. Record the equation and model on your paper.

1. Mr. Fletcher’s bank account is assessing a $5 fee withdrawal for everyday it is under
$500. It has been a total of 4 days under $500. What amount will the bank withdraw
from his account?

2. Billy is participating in a biggest Loser competition. His goal is to lose 3 pounds a

week. If Billy meets his goal every week for 6 weeks, how much weight will he lose?

3. Mike’s son has to pay his dad $7 for every pound he loses. Mike has lost 5 pounds.
How much money does his son owe him?

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Modeling the Multiplication of Integers Back to task table

In this task, students will use a number line and counters to multiply positive and negative
integers. Using patterns from multiplication of positive and negative integers, students will apply
the same patterns to division of positive and negative integers. Students need experiences with
this process prior to completing this task. The Multiplying Integers task can serve as a great
prerequisite for this task.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].2 Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division and
of fractions to multiply and divide rational numbers.
[Link].2a Understand that multiplication is extended from fractions to rational numbers
by requiring that operations continue to satisfy the properties of operations, particularly the
distributive property, leading to products such as (- 1)(– 1) = 1 and the rules for multiplying
signed numbers. Interpret products of rational numbers by describing real‐world contexts.
[Link].2b Understand that integers can be divided, provided that the divisor is not zero,
and every quotient of integers (with non‐zero divisor) is a rational number. If p and q are
integers then – (p/q) = (– p)/q = p/(–q). Interpret quotients of rational numbers by describing
real‐world contexts.
[Link].2c Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide rational
numbers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Construct viable argues and critique the reasoning of others.
4. . Model with mathematics.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for patterns and structure.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

• Visualizing multiplication is a very difficult concept for students to comprehend. You

may have some learners that find the task more confusing than helpful depending on their
understanding of how concrete examples apply to abstract concepts.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

● What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for multiplying and
dividing positive and negative rational numbers?

Mathematics  GSE Grade 7  Unit 1: Operations with Rational Numbers

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

MATERIALS

● Two colored counters

● Task recording sheet

GROUPING
• Individual / Partner
TASK DESCRIPTION

Modeling the Multiplication of Integers

Try these problems on your own. Model each problem using counters or an empty number line.
Record the equation and model on your paper.

1. Suppose the temperature outside is dropping 3 degrees each hour. How much will the
temperature change in 8 hours?
2. A computer stock gained 2 points each hour for 6 hours. Describe the total change in the
stock after 6 hours.
3. A drought can cause the level of the local water supply to drop by a few inches each
week. Suppose the level of the water supply drops 2 inches each week. How much will it
change in 4 weeks?
4. Mike’s son has to pay his dad $8 for every pound he loses. Mike has lost 10 pounds.
How much money does his son owe him?

5. What multiplication patterns can you see from each situation? Fill in the chart below
according to the signs of the factors and products.
Solution:
Factor Factor Product
+ number + number + number
+ number (-) number (-) number
+ number (-) number (-) number
(-) number (-) number + number

DIFFERENTIATION

Extension:
● Have students develop generalized conjectures about multiplying integers and explain
them. For example, +a x –b = -c because a groups of –b added to 0 is –c.
Intervention:
● For students who struggle with the empty number line. Encourage them to continue
modeling the problems using the two colored counters.

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Modeling the Multiplication of Integers

Try these problems on your own. Model each problem using counters or an empty number line.
Record the equation and model on your paper.

1. Suppose the temperature outside is dropping 3 degrees each hour. How much will the
temperature change in 8 hours?

2. A computer stock gained 2 points each hour for 6 hours. Describe the total change in the
stock after 6 hours.

3. A drought can cause the level of the local water supply to drop by a few inches each
week. Suppose the level of the water supply drops 2 inches each week. How much will it
change in 4 weeks?

4. Mike’s son has to pay his dad $8 for every pound he loses. Mike has lost 10 pounds.
How much money does his son owe him?

5. What multiplication patterns can you see from each situation? Fill in the chart below
according to the signs of the factors and products.

Factor Factor Product

+ number + number
(-) number (-) number
+ number (-) number
(-) number + number

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Patterns of Multiplication and Division Back to task table

This task is designed to assist struggling students with the concepts of multiplication and
division.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].2 Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division and
of fractions to multiply and divide rational numbers.
[Link].2a Understand that multiplication is extended from fractions to rational numbers
by requiring that operations continue to satisfy the properties of operations, particularly the
distributive property, leading to products such as (- 1)(– 1) = 1 and the rules for multiplying
signed numbers. Interpret products of rational numbers by describing real‐world contexts.
[Link].2b Understand that integers can be divided, provided that the divisor is not zero,
and every quotient of integers (with non‐zero divisor) is a rational number. If p and q are
integers then – (p/q) = (– p)/q = p/(–q). Interpret quotients of rational numbers by describing
real‐world contexts.
[Link].2c Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide rational
numbers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

1. Solve problems and persevere.

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
5. Use tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

COMMON MISCONCEPTION

The section for dividing using two color counters can be confusing upon first glance. Encourage
students to persevere in working through the examples in order to gain understanding.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

● What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for multiplying and
dividing positive and negative rational numbers?

MATERIALS

● Patterns of Multiplication and Division Task Sheet

● Colored pencils – red and yellow
● Extra blank number lines (optional)
● Two-color counters (red/yellow)

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

GROUPING

• Individual / Partner
TASK COMMENTS

This task uses the number line model to illustrate division of integers. When teaching this
concept, it is important to revisit number line models of multiplication and addition. Revisiting
patterns that are found in multiplying integers is also recommended.

TASK DESCRIPTION

To introduce the task, begin with student’s knowledge of addition and subtraction facts and the
relationship between the two processes. This same type of relationship occurs between
multiplication and division. Point out that for any multiplication fact, we can write another
multiplication fact and two different related division facts.

2 x 5 = 10 5 x 2 = 10 10 5 = 2 10 2=5

Revisit multiplication of positive and negative integers. You may use a number line model or
you may want to revisit the chart developed from the Learning Task, Multiplying Rational
Numbers, in this framework document.

Factor Factor Product

+ number + number
(-) number (-) number
+ number (-) number
(-) number + number

Tell your students that they will make models of integer division to prove whether or not they
can apply their knowledge of multiplication to division. They will use their findings from the
task to fill in a division chart similar to the one below.
Dividend Divisor Quotient
+ number + number
(-) number (-) number
+ number (-) number
(-) number + number

Use the example problems below to show the process of modeling division to the students. Be
sure to how students the opportunity to use the counters and a number line to demonstrate their
thinking about the division of integers. Be sure to discuss both models.
The following examples are adapted from Van de Walle, J., &Lovin, L.H. (2006). Teaching student-
centered mathematics: Grades 5-8. Boston, MA: Pearson Education and Allyn& Bacon.
****Show the examples with the color counters and the number line****

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Example 1: 10 5=2
How many sets of 5 will make a set of To arrive at the answer of +2, notice that on the number
10? line we are moving forward. We move forward 2 times.

Begin with zero.

Add 1 set of 5.

Add a second set of 5.

It took 2 sets of 5 to make 10.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Example 2: (-10) 5 = (-2)

How many sets of +5 will make -10? To arrive at the answer of (-2), notice that on the number
line we are backing up. We back up 2 times.
Begin with zero.

Change the representation. Add 10 neutral pairs.

Take out 1 set of +5.

Take out a second set of +5.

2 sets of +5 were removed to make -10 or -2 sets

of 5 were used to make -10.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Example 3: 10 (-5) = (-2)

How many sets of -5 will make +10? To arrive at the answer of (-2), notice that on the number
line we are backing up (-5). We back up 2 times.
Begin with zero.

Change the representation. Add 10 neutral pairs.

Take out 1 set of -5.

Take out a second set of -5.

2 sets of -5 were removed to make +10 or -2 sets

of -5 were used to make +10.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Example 4: (-10) (-5) = 2

How many sets of -5 will make a set of -10? To arrive at the answer of +2, notice that on the number line
we are moving forward. We move (-5) forward 2 times.
Begin with zero.

Add 1 set of -5.

Add a second set of -5.

It took 2 sets of -5 to make -10.

As you teach the division model using counters, keep in mind these simple steps:
● Determine how many sets of the divisor are needed to make the dividend.
● Begin with zero or a representation of zero using neutral pairs.
● Remove or add sets of the divisor to make the dividend.
● The number of sets removed or added determines the answer.

As you teach the division model using a number line, keep in mind these simple steps:
● Identify the dividend on the number line.
● Look at the divisor, is it positive (yellow with right arrow) or negative (red with left
arrow).
● Determine how many times the divisor will have to move forward (+) or backward (-) to
equal the dividend.
● The number of times it must move and the type of movement determine the answer.

For further clarification of the division model using a number line, please watch the following
video.
[Link]

Have students model the problems. Once students complete the problem set, have them fill out
the given chart and find the patterns. They will need to determine if the patterns are the same as
the patterns for multiplication.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

TASK DIRECTIONS

You have recently practiced multiplying positive and negative integers on a number line. It is
now your turn to model how to divide. Below are “hints” to help you get started.

When you divide, keep in mind these simple steps:

● Identify the dividend on the number line.

● Look at the divisor, is it positive (yellow with right arrow) or negative (red with left
arrow).
● Determine how many times the divisor will have to move forward (+) or backward (-)
to equal the dividend.
● The number of times it must move and the type of movement determine the answer.

Model the following on the number line.

1. What is the dividend? ________

2. What is the divisor? _________
3. What is the solution and how did you find it?
_____________________________________________________________________________

Solution:
1. 8
2. 2
3. 4
The dividend is 8, the divisor is 2, so I counted by two’s.
I counted 4 times forward.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

4. What is the dividend? ________

5. What is the divisor? ________
6. What is the solution and how did you find it?
Solution:
4. (-9)
5. 3
6. (-3)

The dividend is (-9), the divisor is 3, so I counted by three’s.

I counted 3 times backward.

7. What is the dividend? ________

8. What is the divisor? ________
9. What is the solution and how did you find it?
_____________________________________________________________________________

Solution:
7. 6
8. (-2)
9. (-3)
The dividend is 6, the divisor is (-2), so I counted by two’s.
I counted 3 times backward.

10. What is the dividend? ________

11. What is the divisor? ________
12. What is the solution and how did you find it?
_____________________________________________________________________________

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Solution:
10. (-8)
11. (-4)
12. 2

The dividend is (-8), the divisor is (-4), so I counted by four’s.

I counted 2 times forward.

Let’s look to see if there are any patterns.

1. When given a positive integer as the dividend…

a. What was the result of dividing by a positive integer?
Positive quotient
b. What was the result of dividing by a negative integer?
Negative quotient
2. When given a negative integer as the dividend…
a. What was the result of dividing by a positive integer?
Negative quotient
b. What was the result of dividing by a negative integer?
Positive quotient
3. Fill in each table below. Are the patterns the same as the multiplication patterns? Explain
your findings.

Factor Factor Product

+ number + number + number
Multiplication
+ number (-) number (-) number
Patterns
+ number (-) number (-) number
(-) number (-) number + number

Dividend Divisor Quotient

+ number + number + number
Division
(-) number + number (-) number
Patterns
+ number (-) number (-) number
(-) number (-) number + number

Model the following using two color counters.

Drawing of Model

Students should model 8 yellow counters separated into 2 groups. The amount in
each group is positive 4.

1. What is the dividend? _8_________

2. What is the divisor? __2________
3. What is the solution? 4

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

___________________________________________________________________________

Drawing of Model

Students should draw 9 red counters separated into 3 groups resulting in 3 negative
counters in each group.

4. What is the dividend? _-9_________

5. What is the divisor? __3________
6. What is the solution? -3
___________________________________________________________________________

Drawing of Model

Students need to model the removal of 2 to make 6. The model should show 3
removals of 2 from the 6 zero pairs.

7. What is the dividend? ___6_______

8. What is the divisor? _-2_________
9. What is the solution? -3
________________________________________________________________________

Drawing of Model

Students need to model the two groups of -4 it takes to create -8.

10. What is the dividend? _-8_________

11. What is the divisor? ___-4_______
12. What is the solution? ______2_

__________________________________________________________________________
Let’s look to see if there are any patterns.
13. When given a positive integer as the dividend…
a. What was the result of dividing by a positive integer?
Positive quotient
b. What was the result of dividing by a negative integer?

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GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Negative quotient
14. When given a negative integer as the dividend…
a. What was the result of dividing by a positive integer?
Negative quotient
b. What was the result of dividing by a negative integer?
Positive quotient
15. Fill in each table below. Are the patterns the same as the multiplication patterns? Explain
your findings.

Factor Factor Product

+ number + number + number
Multiplication
+ number (-) number (-) number
Patterns
+ number (-) number (-) number
(-) number (-) number + number

Dividend Divisor Quotient

+ number + number + number
Division
(-) number + number (-) number
Patterns
+ number (-) number (-) number
(-) number (-) number + number

DIFFERENTIATION

Extension:
● Have students apply the rules for multiplying and dividing integers to multiplying and
dividing rational numbers.

Intervention:
● For students who struggle with using the number line, have them to complete the task
using the two-color counters.

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Patterns of Multiplication and Division with Number Lines

You have recently practiced dividing positive and negative integers on a number line. It is now
your turn to model how to divide. Below are “hints” to help you get started.

When you divide, keep in mind these simple steps:

● Identify the dividend on the number line.

● Look at the divisor, is it positive (yellow with right arrow) or negative (red with left
arrow).
● Determine how many times the divisor will have to move forward (+) or backward (-)
to equal the dividend.
● The number of times it must move and the type of movement determine the answer.

Model the following on the number line.

1. What is the dividend? __________

2. What is the divisor? __________
3. What is the solution and how did you find it?

___________________________________________________________________________

4. What is the dividend? __________

5. What is the divisor? __________
6. What is the solution and how did you find it?

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GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

7. What is the dividend? __________

8. What is the divisor? __________
9. What is the solution and how did you find it?

___________________________________________________________________________

10. What is the dividend? __________

11. What is the divisor? __________
12. What is the solution and how did you find it?

___________________________________________________________________________

Let’s look to see if there are any patterns.

13. When given a positive integer as the dividend…

o What was the result of dividing by a positive integer?

o What was the result of dividing by a negative integer?

14. When given a negative integer as the dividend…

o What was the result of dividing by a positive integer?

o What was the result of dividing by a negative integer?

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

15. Fill in each table below. Are the patterns the same as the multiplication patterns? Explain
your findings.

Factor Factor Product

+ number + number
Multiplication
(-) number (-) number
Patterns
+ number (-) number
(-) number + number

Dividend Divisor Quotient

+ number + number
Division
(-) number (-) number
Patterns
+ number (-) number
(-) number + number

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Patterns of Multiplication and Division using Counters

Model the following using two color counters.

Drawing of Model

● What is the dividend? __________

● What is the divisor? __________
● What is the solution?
___________________________________________________________________________

Drawing of Model

● What is the dividend? __________

● What is the divisor? __________
● What is the solution?

______________________________________________________________________________

Drawing of Model

● What is the dividend? __________

● What is the divisor? __________
● What is the solution?

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GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

________________________________________________________________________

Drawing of Model

● What is the dividend? __________

● What is the divisor? __________
● What is the solution?

___________________________________________________________________________
Let’s look to see if there are any patterns.

[Link] given a positive integer as the dividend…

a. What was the result of dividing by a positive integer?

b. What was the result of dividing by a negative integer?

2. When given a negative integer as the dividend…

a. What was the result of dividing by a positive integer?

b. What was the result of dividing by a negative integer?

3. Fill in each table below. Are the patterns the same as the multiplication patterns? Explain
your findings.

Factor Factor Product

+ number + number
Multiplication
(-) number (-) number
Patterns
+ number (-) number
(-) number + number

Dividend Divisor Quotient

+ number + number
Division
(-) number (-) number
Patterns
+ number (-) number
(-) number + number

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Do It Yourself Revisited Back to task table

This task is designed to allow students to make the connections between division of integers and
division of rational numbers. The first “Do It Yourself” task appears in Grade 6,
Unit 1, Number System Fluency, and addresses [Link].1 – quotients of fractions.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].2c Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide rational

numbers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

1. Make sense of problems and persevere.

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
5. Use tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

COMMON MISCONCEPTION

The section for dividing using two color counters can be confusing upon first glance. Encourage
students to persevere in working through the examples in order to gain understanding.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

● What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for multiplying and
dividing positive and negative rational numbers?

MATERIALS

• Recording sheet

GROUPING

• Individual / Partner

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

TASK DIRECTIONS
Students will write story problems to represent given numerical expressions.
Before the lesson, review strategies for dividing fractions by highlighting different ways of
modeling and the meanings of the quotient, divisor, and dividend.

The Common-Denominator algorithm relies on the measurement or repeated subtraction

concept of division.

𝟓 𝟏 𝟏 𝟓
÷ means “How many sets of are in ?”
𝟑 𝟐 𝟐 𝟑

𝟑 𝟏𝟎
Restated with common denominators: “How many sets of are in ?”
𝟔 𝟔
𝟓 𝟏 𝟏𝟎 𝟑 𝟏
÷ = ÷ = 𝟏𝟎 ÷ 𝟑 𝒐𝒓 𝟑
𝟑 𝟐 𝟔 𝟔 𝟑

With your group write a story problem for each of the expressions shown below.

3 1 2 3
2 ÷ ÷
5 3 3 4

Students will work in groups on each of the problems. Then, form new groups by pulling one
person from each of the first groups where they will meet with the other students to compare
their solutions and plan their presentation to the class. They will need to provide an explanation,
any discrepancies they had with group members, and share their strategies.

During the lesson, be sure that students are drawing pictures or using manipulatives to help them
think about how to do the problems and explain their thinking.
Look for students who use different representations to think about the problems. Highlight those
different ways in the Summary portion of the lesson.

Let each group present their solution to the problem.

Summarize
What does the quotient represent in each of the problems?
What does the divisor represent in each of the problems?
What does the dividend represent in each of the problems?
How would the solutions differ if the dividends were negative?
How would the solutions differ if both the divisor and dividend were negative?

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Name__________________________
Do It Yourself Revisited

With your group write a story problem for each of the expressions shown below.

3 1
2 ÷
5 3

2 3
÷
3 4

Think about these questions.

What does the quotient represent in each of the problems?

What does the divisor represent in each of the problems?

What does the dividend represent in each of the problems?

How would the solutions differ if the dividends were negative?

How would the solutions differ if both the divisor and dividend were negative?

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

What Does It Cost? Back to task table

(Adapted from Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of
South Florida)

In this task, students will use multiplication of fractions and whole numbers to determine the
change in price for given retail items over a period of time.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].2 Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division and of
fractions to multiply and divide rational numbers.
[Link].2a Understand that multiplication is extended from fractions to rational numbers by
requiring that operations continue to satisfy the properties of operations, particularly the
distributive property, leading to products such as (- 1)(– 1) = 1 and the rules for multiplying
signed numbers. Interpret products of rational numbers by describing real‐world contexts.
[Link].2b Understand that integers can be divided, provided that the divisor is not zero,
and every quotient of integers (with non‐zero divisor) is a rational number. If p and q are integers
then – (p/q) = (– p)/q = p/(–q). Interpret quotients of rational numbers by describing real‐world
contexts.
[Link].2c Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide rational
numbers.
[Link].3 Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving the four operations with
rational numbers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.

BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE

In order for students to be successful, the following skills and concepts need to be maintained:
● positive and negative numbers are used together to describe quantities having opposite
directions or values (e.g., temperature above/below zero, elevation above/below sea level,
debits/credits, positive/negative electric charge); use positive and negative numbers to
represent quantities in real-world contexts, explaining the meaning of 0 in each situation.
● rational numbers are points on the number line.
● numbers with opposite signs indicate locations on opposite sides of 0 on the number line;
recognize that the opposite of the opposite of a number is the number itself, e.g.,
, and that 0 is its own opposite

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

The phrase “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally”, or more simply PEMDAS, is sometimes used
to help students remember the order of operations. Although this mnemonic may be helpful, it
often leads students to think that addition is done before subtraction and that multiplication
comes before division

Regularly ask students, “Are the parentheses required or optional in this equation?”

Remind students that multiplying a whole number by a fraction, is the same as repeatedly
addition the fraction the whole number times ([Link].4). for example, 5 x ¾ is the same as ¾ + ¾
+ ¾ + ¾ + ¾. Students may also inquire about the order for setting up the problem and if it will
affect the outcome. This is a good opportunity to review commutative property.

Some students may want to try and turn the decimal into a fraction in order to multiply the whole
number. If you are evaluating student understanding of operations with fractions, converting the
fraction to a decimal will not demonstrate any understanding of operations with fractions.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

● What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for adding, subtracting,
multiplying, and dividing positive and negative rational numbers?

MATERIALS

● Student recording sheet

● Counting chips (optional)
● Calculator (optional)
● Paper and pencil

GROUPING

Individual/Partner

TASK DESCRIPTION

In this lesson, students will be asked to calculate the part of a number that is discounted off of an
item over a given period of time. They must then determine the most cost effective way to make
purchases of those items in order to get the most for their money.
Begin the lesson with a Number Talk. Number Talks are a great way for students to use
mental math to solve and explain a variety of math problems. A Number Talk is a short,
ongoing daily routine that provides students with meaningful ongoing practice with computation.
Number Talks should be structured as short sessions alongside (but not necessarily directly
related to) the ongoing math curriculum. It is important to keep Number Talks short, as they are
not intended to replace current curriculum or take up the majority of the time spent on
mathematics.

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In fact, teachers need to spend only 5 to 15 minutes on Number Talks. Number Talks are most
effective when done every day. As previously stated, the primary goal of Number Talks is
computational fluency. Students develop computational fluency while thinking and reasoning
like mathematicians. When they share their strategies with others, they learn to clarify and
express their thinking, thereby developing mathematical language. This in turn serves them well
when they are asked to express their mathematical processes in writing. In order for students to
become computationally fluent, they need to know particular mathematical concepts that go
beyond what is required to memorize basic facts or procedures.

All Number Talks follow a basic six-step format. The format is always the same, but the
problems and models used will differ for each number talk.

1. Teacher presents the problem. Problems are presented in a word problem or a written
algorithm.
2. Students figure out the answer. Students are given time to figure out the answer. To
make sure students have the time they need, the teacher asks them to give a “thumbs-up”
when they have determined their answer. The thumbs up signal, given at chest level, is
unobtrusive- a message to the teacher, not the other students.

3. Students share their answers. Four or five students volunteer to share their answers and
the teacher records them on the board.

4. Students share their thinking. Three or four students volunteer to share how they got
their answers. (Occasionally, students are asked to share with the person(s) sitting next to
them.) The teacher records the student's thinking.

5. The class agrees on the "real" answer for the problem. The answer that together the
class determines is the right answer is presented as one would the results of an
experiment. The answer a student comes up with initially is considered a conjecture.
Models and/or the logic of the explanation may help a student see where their thinking
went wrong, may help them identify a step they left out, or clarify a point of confusion.
There should be a sense of confirmation or clarity rather than a feeling that each problem
is a test to see who is right and who is wrong. A student who is still unconvinced of an
answer should be encouraged to keep thinking and to keep trying to understand. For some
students, it may take one more experience for them to understand what is happening with
the numbers and for others it may be out of reach for some time. The mantra should be,
"If you are not sure or it doesn't make sense yet, keep thinking."
6. The steps are repeated for additional problems.
Similar to other procedures in your classroom, there are several elements that must be in
place to ensure students get the most from their Number Talk experiences. These
elements are:

1. A safe environment
2. Problems of various levels of difficulty that can be solved in a variety of way

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GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

3. Concrete models
4. Opportunities to think first and then check
5. Interaction
6. Self-correction

For this Number Talk, begin with the following problem, “1/4 of 24” Record the problem on
the far left side of the board. Provide students with wait time as they work to mentally solve this
problem. When majority of the students have given the “thumbs up” signal, call on several
students (3-4) to share their answer and the strategy they used to solve. Record the information
provided by the students exactly how it is told to you. It is important to allow students
ownership of their thinking.

Record, “1/3 of 24” on the board next to the previous problem. Provide students with wait time
as they work to mentally solve this problem. When majority of the students have given the
“thumbs up” signal, call on several students (3-4) to share their answer and the strategy they used
to solve. Record the information provided by the students exactly how it is told to you.

Record, “3/4 of 24” on the board next to the previous problem. Provide students with wait time
as they work to mentally solve this problem. When majority of the students have given the
“thumbs up” signal, call on several students (3-4) to share their answer and the strategy they used
to solve. Record the information provided by the students exactly how it is told to you.

Record, “2/3 of 24” on the board towards the far right. Provide students with wait time as they
work to mentally solve this problem. When majority of the students have given the “thumbs up”
signal, call on several students (3-4) to share their answer and the strategy they used to solve.
Record the information provided by the students exactly how it is told to you.

At the end of the Number Talk, discuss the strategies used to find the answers. Some of the
strategies students may use are imaging a representation of 24 objects separated into groups,
multiplying the numerator times the whole number and dividing by the denominator, finding the
answer using a unit fraction and doubling or tripling the answer. Talk with the students about
which strategy was most efficient (quick, easy and accurate).

Allow for a maximum of 15 minutes to conduct the Number Talk before moving into the
lesson.

Solve this problem:

A warehouse sells clothing at a fraction of its original cost. The table below shows the fraction
off the original price for clothing that remains in the warehouse after 10 days, 20 days, and 30
days.

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GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

1. Find the price of the items after each 10-day period to complete the chart below. Write a
numerical expression to show how you arrived at each solution.

WAREHOUSE PRICES
ITEM PRICE AFTER 10 DAYS AFTER 20 DAYS AFTER 30
DAYS
Jacket $120 120 - (1/4)(120) = $90.00 120 – (1/3)(120) 120-
=$80.00 (1/2)(120)=$60.00
Shoes $40 40 – (1/5)(40) = $32.00 40 – 40-
(2/5)(120)=$24.00 (3/5)(40)=$16.00
Shirt $12 12 – (1/4)(12) = $9.00 12-(1/3)(12)=$8.00 12-
(2/3)(12)=$4.00

Suppose you have $100 to spend…

2. Within the range of $90.00 to $100.00, what are all possible combinations of items you
could buy after 10 days?
Solution: 1 jacket + 1 shirt, 11 shirts, 3 shoes, 2 shoes + 4 shirts

3. Would you have enough money to buy 2 jackets after 20 days? Justify your solution.
Solution: Two jackets would cost $160.00 at 20 days and you only have $100.

4. Could you buy all 3 items if you waited until after 30 days? Remember, you only have
$100 to spend. Justify your answer.

Solution: The three items would cost you a total of $80. Since you have $100 to spend
you do have enough money to buy all three items after 30 days.

5. Jackets cost the retailer $75 a piece to purchase wholesale. If he has five to sell and
doesn’t sell them until 30 days have gone by, how much money does he lose? Remember
a loss is shown with a negative rational number.

Solution: Five jackets will be sold for a total of $300.00. The retailer paid $375 for the
jackets. He will show a loss of -$75 if they don’t sell until 30 days. He will lose
-$15 per jacket.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

● How can we find part of a number? What does the phrase “part of a number” tell you
about the process?
● How can you use the chart to justify the better deal for the seller and the buyer?

DIFFERENTIATION

Extension
● Have students create their own fraction chart that would save money for the seller and
then a separate chart that would be a better buy for the buyer.
● After how many days will the seller break even for each retail item?

Intervention
● Change the fractions to quarters or fifths to make the mathematics easier but retain the
integrity of the task.
● Use base ten blocks to model the quantities and show a fraction of the quantity.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

What Does It Cost?

Solve this problem:

A warehouse sells clothing at a fraction of its original cost. The table below shows the fraction
off the original price for clothing that remains in the warehouse after 10 days, 20 days, and 30
days.

1. Find the price of the items after each 10-day period to complete the chart below. Show
how you arrived at each answer.

WAREHOUSE PRICES
ITEM PRICE AFTER 10 AFTER 20 AFTER 30
DAYS DAYS DAYS
Jacket $120 $90.00
Shoes $40
Shirt $12 $4.00

Suppose you have $100 to spend…

2. Within the range of $90.00 to $100.00, what are all possible combinations of items you
could buy after 10 days?

3. Would you have enough money to buy 2 jackets after 20 days? Justify your solution.

4. Could you buy all 3 items if you waited until after 30 days? Remember, you only have
$100 to spend. Justify your answer.

5. Jackets cost the retailer $75 a piece to purchase wholesale. If he has five to sell and
doesn’t sell them until 30 days have gone by, how much money does he lose? Remember
a loss is shown with a negative rational number.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Converting Fractions to Decimals Back to task table

In this task, students will convert fractions to decimals.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].2 Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division and of
fractions to multiply and divide rational numbers.
[Link].2d Convert a rational number to a decimal using long division; know that the
decimal form of a rational number terminates in 0s or eventually repeats.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

1. Make sense of problems and persevere.

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
4. Model with mathematics.
5. Use tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

TASK MISCONCEPTIONS

When dividing a smaller dividend by a larger divisor, students will communicate they are adding
a decimal point and zero in order to continue dividing. The purpose of this task is to demonstrate
the decimal point and zero comes from exchanging the whole number for equivalent tenths. For
example, 3 wholes are exchanged for 30 tenths, which is equivalent to 3.0.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
● What are the steps to converting a rational number to a repeating or terminating decimal?

MATERIALS
• Base ten blocks
• Converting Fractions to Decimals recording

TASK DESCRIPTION

Level 1
Define.
Fraction- part of a whole

Decimal- part of a whole

Numerator- equal parts added to make the total, dividend

Denominator- Total of equal parts, divisor

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Using the base ten blocks, model the following problems. Draw your models below. For each
model, students can use squares to represent whole, sticks to represent tenths and dots to
represent hundredths.
1
1 ÷ 2 or
2

1
1 ÷ 5 or
5

3
3 ÷ 4 or
4

4
4 ÷ 5 or
5
What did you discover happened to the dividend each time?
The dividend must be exchanged for tenths in order to divide it into the given groups.

Use the base ten blocks to model

1÷3

1÷6

What do you notice?

Students should discover they will need to continuously make an exchange for smaller
quantities in order to divide. They should conclude the same exchange will be made
continuously resulting in a repeating decimal.

Level 2
Use long division to divide the following:
1
1 ÷ 2 or
2

1
1 ÷ 5 or
5

How is the abstract procedure connected to the models in level 1?

Students should conclude when adding a decimal point and the zero it represents the
exchange of the whole to the tenths.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Level 3
In words explain why the “add a decimal and zero” “rule” works.
Students should be able to explain the rule works because it shows the whole number
equivalent to the tenths. Therefore you are dividing tenths and not wholes.

In words explain how to convert 4/9 to a decimal.

4 wholes are exchanged for 40 tenths and represented as 4.0. 4 tenths are in each group and 4
tenths are left over. The 4 tenths are exchanged for 40 hundredths and 4 hundredths are in
each group. This pattern will continue resulting in a repeating decimal.

Practice problems:
1. Convert 2/5 to a decimal
0.4

2. Convert 6/8 to a decimal

0.75

̅̅̅̅
3. Convert 5/11 to a decimal.0. 45

4. Convert 9/10 to a decimal using long division.

0.9

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Converting Fractions to Decimals

Level 1

Define.

Fraction-

Decimal-

Numerator-

Denominator-

Using the base ten blocks, model the following problems. Draw your models below.
1
1 ÷ 2 or
2

1
1 ÷ 5 or
5

3
3 ÷ 4 or
4

4
4 ÷ 5 or
5

What did you discover happened to the dividend each time?

Use the base ten blocks to model

1÷3

1÷6

What do you notice?

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Level 2

Use long division to divide the following:

1
1 ÷ 2 or
2

1
1 ÷ 5 or
5

How is the abstract procedure connected to the models in level 1?

Level 3

In words explain why the “add a decimal and zero” “rule” works.

In words explain how to convert 4/9 to a decimal.

Practice problems:

1. Convert 2/5 to a decimal

2. Convert 6/8 to a decimal

3. Convert 5/11 to a decimal

4. Convert 9/10 to a decimal using long division

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

The Repeater vs The Terminator Back to task table

This activity was adapted from Van de Walle, J., &Lovin, L.H. (2006). Teaching student-
centered mathematics: Grades 5-8. Boston, MA: Pearson Education and Allyn& Bacon, 148.

In this task, students will convert fractions to decimals. This activity also involves prime
factorization. Prime and composite numbers as well as prime factorization of numbers may
need to be revisited prior to doing this task.

Also, please be aware that calculators may round a repeating decimal and students may
interpret this to mean that a fraction is terminating. Please address this with your students
prior to beginning the task.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].2 Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division and of
fractions to multiply and divide rational numbers.
[Link].2d Convert a rational number to a decimal using long division; know that the
decimal form of a rational number terminates in 0s or eventually repeats.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

1. Make sense of problems and persevere.

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
4. Model with mathematics.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

TASK MISCONCEPTIONS

Students may struggle with finding the patterns in section one. There may need to be more of a
class discussion in order to guide students through finding the patterns.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

● What are the steps to converting a rational number to a repeating or terminating decimal?

MATERIALS

● Calculator - *Note: This task can be done by hand, but calculations are much more
efficient via calculator.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

TASK DESCRIPTION

Part One
The chart below includes 13 unit fractions, fractions with a numerator of 1. For this activity, first
determine the prime factorization of the denominator of the unit fraction. Then, turn the fraction
into a decimal and determine whether the fraction is repeating or terminating.

PRIME TERMINATES
UNIT FRACTION FACTORIZATION OF DECIMAL FORM OR
DENOMINATOR REPEATS

PRIME .5 Terminates

PRIME Repeats

.25 Terminates

PRIME .2 Terminates

Repeats

PRIME Repeats

.125 Terminates

. Repeats

.1 Terminates

PRIME Repeats

Repeats

Repeats
PRIME

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Answer the following questions based upon your results from the chart.
1. Which fractions terminate?

2. Give another example of a fraction that can be turned into a terminating decimal. Justify
why this fraction is a terminating decimal.
Answers may vary. Student justification should mention relationship of denominator to
powers of 10 or provide a proof by long division to demonstrate that students
understand the difference between terminating and repeating decimals

3. Consider the fractions . What do these fractions have in

common?

These are all repeating decimals and their denominators are prime numbers.

4. What do you hypothesize about rational numbers with denominators that are prime
numbers?
Students may recognize from the previous question that generally, fractions with
denominators that are prime numbers are repeating decimals. There are two
exceptions: ½ and 1/5, but both can be written as fractions that can be written as a
power of 10.

Part Two
Convert the following fractions into decimals. (You have calculated a few of them before!)
Fraction Decimal Fraction Decimal Fraction Decimal Fraction Decimal

0.25 0.125 ̅̅̅̅

0. 09

0.50 0.375 ̅̅̅̅

0. 18

0.75 0.625 ̅̅̅̅

0. 27

1 0.875 ̅̅̅̅
0. 36

Note: The first two columns are designed to help students recognize basic benchmark
fractions. Teachers may add additional discussion questions about these fractions to
help students make connections between fourths and eighths to their decimals.

1. Do you notice a pattern between the fractions with denominators of 9 and their decimals?
If so, what is the pattern?

Yes, there is a pattern. The numerator repeats in the tenths place.

Mathematics  GSE Grade 7  Unit 1: Operations with Rational Numbers

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GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

2. Without using a calculator, what is the decimal form of

3. Do you notice a pattern between the fractions with denominators of 11 and their
decimals? If so, what is the pattern?

Yes, there is a pattern. If you multiply the numerator by 9, that is the repeating
decimal.

4. Without using a calculator, what is the decimal form of ̅̅̅̅

0. 81

DIFFERENTIATION

Extensions:
● Students may learn the relationship between and 1 and provide a proof or
justification for why these two numbers are equal
● Students can begin to find relationships of rational numbers that are more complex than
basic unit fractions or basic benchmark fractions

Intervention:

● For students who struggle with converting fractions and decimals, teachers may want to
reverse the order of the two charts. By starting with the second chart, the first two
columns can be used to review how to turn a fraction into a decimal, and they last two
will allow students an opportunity to look for patterns.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

The Repeater vs. The Terminator

Part One
The chart below includes 13 unit fractions, fractions with a numerator of 1. For this activity,
first determine the prime factorization of the denominator of the unit fraction. Then, turn the
fraction into a decimal and determine whether the fraction is repeating or terminating.

PRIME TERMINATES
UNIT FRACTION FACTORIZATION OF DECIMAL FORM OR
DENOMINATOR REPEATS

PRIME .5 Terminates

PRIME Repeats

Terminates

Repeats

Terminates

PRIME

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Answer the following questions based upon your results from the chart.

1. Which fractions terminate?

2. Give another example of a fraction that can be turned into a terminating decimal. Justify
why this fraction is a terminating decimal.

3. Consider the fractions . What do these fractions have in common?

4. What do you hypothesize about rational numbers with denominators that are prime
numbers?

Part Two
Convert the following fractions into decimals. (You have calculated a few of them before!)

Fraction Decimal Fraction Decimal Fraction Decimal Fraction Decimal

1. Do you notice a pattern between the fractions with denominators of 9 and their decimals?
If so, what is the pattern?

8
2. Without using a calculator, what is the decimal form of ?
9

3. Do you notice a pattern between the fractions with denominators of 11 and their
decimals? If so, what is the pattern?

9
4. Without using a calculator, what is the decimal form of ?
11

Mathematics  GSE Grade 7  Unit 1: Operations with Rational Numbers

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

A Poster Back to task table

In this task, students will create a poster or electronic presentation that demonstrates their
understanding of rational numbers including common misconceptions. This task reviews
material from the 6th and 7th grade as it relates to integers, absolute value, comparing and
ordering rational numbers, and real-life applications of integers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].1 Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction to add and
subtract rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number
line diagram.
[Link].1a Show that a number and its opposite have a sum of 0 (are additive inverses).
Describe situations in which opposite quantities combine to make 0. For example, your bank
account balance is -$25.00. You deposit $25.00 into your account. The net balance is $0.00.
[Link].1b Understand p + q as the number located a distance from p, in the positive or
negative direction depending on whether q is positive or negative. Interpret sums of rational
numbers by describing real world contexts.
[Link].1c Understand subtraction of rational numbers as adding the additive inverse, p – q
= p + (– q). Show that the distance between two rational numbers on the number line is the
absolute value of their difference, and apply this principle in real‐world contexts.
[Link].1d Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract rational numbers.
[Link].2 Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division and of
fractions to multiply and divide rational numbers.
[Link].2a Understand that multiplication is extended from fractions to rational numbers by
requiring that operations continue to satisfy the properties of operations, particularly the
distributive property, leading to products such as (- 1)(– 1) = 1 and the rules for multiplying
signed numbers. Interpret products of rational numbers by describing real‐world contexts.
[Link].2b Understand that integers can be divided, provided that the divisor is not zero,
and every quotient of integers (with non‐zero divisor) is a rational number. If p and q are integers
then – (p/q) = (– p)/q = p/(–q). Interpret quotients of rational numbers by describing real‐world
contexts.
[Link].2c Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide rational
numbers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

1. Solve problems and persevere.

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
4. Model with mathematics.
6. Attend to precision.
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

The phrase “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally”, or more simply PEMDAS, is sometimes used
to help students remember the order of operations. Although this mnemonic may be helpful, it
often leads students to think that addition is done before subtraction and that multiplication
comes before division

This culminating task allows teachers to see where students are still struggling with operations
of rational numbers. Misconceptions will become evident as students work their way through the
different aspects of the task. In order to catch these and help students gain understanding, it is
important students move through the class questioning and reviewing material as students create
their posters.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

● What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for adding, subtracting,
multiplying, and dividing positive and negative rational numbers?
● What are the steps to converting a rational number to a repeating or terminating decimal?

MATERIALS

● poster board
● computer

GROUPING

• Individual / Partner
TASK DESCRIPTION

You are to make and present a poster showing what you have learned from your study of positive
and negative rational numbers. Choose a theme for your poster. Be creative!

Choose five rational numbers. Choose one integer, one negative fraction, one positive fraction,
one negative decimal and one positive decimal. ALL of your numbers MUST be between –1
and 1. Make your poster using the information below:

Comparing
● Use the >, <, and = to compare the two negative numbers.
● Use the >, <, and = to compare the two positive numbers.
● Graph all five numbers on a number line.

Absolute value
● Write the absolute value of each number and explain your reasoning.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Number problems
● You must choose from your five original numbers.

● Create two addition problems; one using numbers with like signs and the other using
numbers with different signs.
● Create two subtraction problems; one using numbers with like signs and the other using
numbers with different signs.
● Create two multiplication problems; one using numbers with like signs and the other using
numbers with different signs.
● Create two division problems; one using numbers with like signs and the other using
numbers with different signs.
● Create two problems with at least two different operations, using both positive and
negative numbers

Three real-life problems with solutions

● Write three real-life problems involving rational numbers and solve to show their
solutions. Use a different operation in each problem.

Rules and common misconceptions

● List any rules you have found for computing with positive and negative numbers
● Give examples of common misconceptions, or problems, students have when working with
positive and negative numbers

Comments:
Throughout this culminating activity, or one similar in rigor and depth, the teacher should
monitor students for understanding and help students correct any obvious weaknesses.

This task is extensive and students should not be expected to complete each part in one class
period. Students should be allowed to represent their answers in a variety of ways to show
their mastery of the concepts of this unit. Many teachers might also have students share their
posters or presentations with verbal explanations to their peers during a classroom
presentation.

For assessing this task, teachers should determine whether the skills listed on the poster rubric
are performed accurately and with consistency. Models, rules stated in the students’ own
words, and explanations should all be included.

The following sections are sample solutions using the numbers –0.5, -1/3, +0.25 and +2/9.
Compare Rational Numbers: -1/3 = -.3333…
-0.5 < -1/3,

Absolute value section

Students should demonstrate an understanding that absolute value is the distance on the
number line between the selected number and zero.
Using the four basic operations

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Addition: Using the given numbers students could select –0.5 + -1/3 =-1/2 + -1/3 =-3/6 + - 2/6
= -5/6. In this case, students would also show they have mastered using decimals and fractions
interchangeably.
Subtraction: Students showing 2/9 – (-0.5) = 4/18 + 9/18 = 13/18 would show mastery of
subtraction operations with rational numbers.
Multiplication: 2/9 * ( -1/3) = -2/27
Division: 2/9 (-1/3) = 2/9 * -3/1 = -6/9 = -2/3

At least TWO different operations:

*Note: This will be a good way to assess whether students understand order of operations

Three real life problems with solutions

In this section, students will demonstrate how accurately they can apply the concepts of
positive and negative rational numbers to real world situations. Teachers could expect to read
problems involving game scores, temperatures, profit and loss, etc. Answers will vary.

Rules and Common Misconceptions

Students should state rules and properties in their own words. Having students identify
common misunderstandings may be helpful in determining misunderstandings that they still
have in dealing with rational numbers.

DIFFERENTIATION

Extension:
• Students can create different generalized scenarios of topics discussed within this task.
• Students can work together to develop formal rules and properties and provide
justifications for why those rules and properties are applicable

Intervention:
• Manipulatives and other resources can help to support students who are struggling
• The task can also be modified by providing the 5 starting numbers to simplifying to only
using three rational numbers.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

A Poster

You are to make and present a poster or electronic presentation showing what you have learned
from your study of positive and negative rational numbers. Choose a theme for your poster. Be
creative!

Choose five rational numbers. Choose one integer, one negative fraction, one positive fraction,
one negative decimal and one positive decimal. ALL of your numbers MUST be between –1
and 1. Make your poster using the information below:

Comparing
● Use the >, <, and = to compare the two negative numbers.
● Use the >, <, and = to compare the two positive numbers.
● Graph all five numbers on a number line.

Absolute value
● Write the absolute value of each number and explain your reasoning.

Number problems
• You must choose from your five original numbers.
● Create two addition problems; one using numbers with like signs and the other using
numbers with different signs.
● Create two subtraction problems; one using numbers with like signs and the other using
numbers with different signs.
● Create two multiplication problems; one using numbers with like signs and the other using
numbers with different signs.
● Create two division problems; one using numbers with like signs and the other using
numbers with different signs.
● Create two problems with at least two different operations, using both positive and
negative numbers
Three real-life problems with solutions
● Write three real-life problems involving rational numbers and solve to show their
solutions. Use a different operation in each problem.

Rules and common misconceptions

● List any rules you have found for computing with positive and negative numbers
● Give examples of common misconceptions, or problems, students have when working with
positive and negative numbers

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Whodunit? The Undoing of (-7) Back to task table

This task has been adapted from [Link]

[Link].
Hartnett, K. & Thomas, W., ( ).Who dunit? The Undoing of (-7).Retrieved February 2012 from
[Link]

In this task, students will investigate a murder mystery whodunit. The teacher should tape off a
silhouette of (-7) on the floor, decorate the room with caution tape and play sound bytes of
screams or the theme song from CSI to engage student interest. This task also review 6th grade
standards in this area.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

[Link].1 Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction to add and
subtract rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number
line diagram.
[Link].1a Show that a number and its opposite have a sum of 0 (are additive inverses).
Describe situations in which opposite quantities combine to make 0. For example, your bank
account balance is -$25.00. You deposit $25.00 into your account. The net balance is $0.00.
[Link].1b Understand p + q as the number located a distance from p, in the positive or
negative direction depending on whether q is positive or negative. Interpret sums of rational
numbers by describing real world contexts.
[Link].1c Understand subtraction of rational numbers as adding the additive inverse, p – q
= p + (– q). Show that the distance between two rational numbers on the number line is the
absolute value of their difference, and apply this principle in real‐world contexts.
[Link].1d Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract rational numbers.

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
4. Model with mathematics.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
Ideally, students need to work as individuals. If they only do part of the four roles, they are not
addressing all the intended standards for the task.

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
● What strategies are most useful in helping develop algorithms for adding, subtracting,
multiplying, and dividing positive and negative rational numbers?

MATERIALS
● Student Task sheet with descriptors of the characters

GROUPING
This is intended to be RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) assignment. Individually each
student should work on all four roles. They are meant to be quick assignments and no more than
thirty minutes each. Students should read each line of the chart to find out the requirements for
that role. If students work in pairs or groups they are not being assessed on all four components
of the culminating task.
On the first and second role, the students will have different answers depending on how the
teacher facilitates the assignment. It is intentionally left open ended so students can create their
own scenario for that role.

TASK DESCRIPTION
Prior to the task, review with students the rubric or process of evaluating the performance
assessment. Explain to students that they may have to use different representation of
addition/subtraction models to keep up with what is happening in the story.

Task Instructions

Culminating Task: WHODUNIT? THE UNDOING OF -7.

ROLE AUDIENCE FORMAT TOPIC

Police Investigator (-7)'s Family Wanted Poster Integer

Forensic Expert CSI Team Case Study Whodunit

Funeral Director Newspaper Readers Obituary Integers

Grave Digger Plot Committee Map (-7)'s grave Plotting Points

Grading: You will be graded based on the four roles.

Role #1: Police Investigator Role #2: Forensic Expert

Neat/Complete /5 Neat/Complete /5
Use of details /10 Use of details /10
Evidence of Learning /10 Evidence of learning /10

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Role #3: Funeral Director Role #4: Grave Digger

Neat/Complete /5 Neat/Complete /5
Use of details /10 Use of details /10
Evidence of Learning /10 Evidence of learning /10

Total Grade for the assignment: 100 points.

Role 1: Your goal is to act as police investigator to determine family members and obtain a
composite sketch of the suspect to put on a wanted poster.

Your assignment as POLICE INSPECTOR is to interview the family of (-7) in order to narrow
down the suspect list. The family consists of two numbers who can be added together to make (-
7). All family members are currently considered suspects as (-7) was at a family reunion at the
time of the unfortunate event.

The only two clues that the police actually know is that the unfortunate event was committed by
two people, and that they were related to (-7).

Please make a list of relatives of (-7) and describe how you know that they are related.

Draw a wanted poster to notify people to be on the lookout for the list of possible suspects. The
community of Pythagoras is very nervous and wants the perpetrator caught immediately. Please
include reward, a picture, and a description of the suspects. You can draw different wanted
posters for the different pairs of subjects.

Role 2: Your goal is to act as Forensic expert. You have to retrace (-7)’s steps on the night of the
unfortunate event. Also, for each stop, you will draw a symbol to represent where he stopped,
and trace the trail in the appropriate color. Also, for each stop, you will write down the
mathematical equation that represents how many steps were taken between stops.

Draw a number line to retrace the steps. This will act as your map of Pythagoras.
Here were his steps the night of the unfortunate event.

● Negative Seven lives at (-7) Geometry Lane.

● He went to visit (-2) to borrow some cinnamon for a new tessellation tart recipe he
wanted to try to bring to the reunion. How many steps did he have to take to get to -2's
house? Please write an equation to show the distance he traveled. Color this part of the
number line yellow for this part of the journey.

● According to (-2), while (-7) was standing on the doorstep with cinnamon in hand, he
spied Mr. Positive Eight’s dog sniffing around the fire hydrant at +1 Street. He ran from
the house, cinnamon trailing behind him to catch the little dog. After all, he needs to be
nice to Positive Eight as he is his boss at the Metric Factory. (-7) could really use a
promotion. If (-7) started from (-2)'s house, how many houses did he pass in order to
catch the dog at (+1)? Please write an equation to show how many steps he traveled. Also
color the trail from (-2) to the dog on (+1) brown–oops that can of cinnamon was opened!

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

● The last -2 saw of (-7) was that he was running down the street with the dog under his
arm. Oddly enough, when the experts were investigating, the cinnamon trail led to (+7)'s
back yard!

● Negative Six, upon being asked, confirmed that (+7) was (-7)'s mortal enemy since birth!
When asked where (+7) was the night of the unfortunate event, (+7) simply stated that he
was watching a movie. There were no alibis. And weirdly enough, there were dog prints
found in the mud in the front yard. Dog prints that went from (+2)'s house to (+7)'s
house! Draw small black dog tracks from (+2) to (+7) and write an equation to represent
the path of the dog. Also, Positive Six was sure that she heard dog barking noise coming
from (+7)'s house even though she swears up and down that Positive Seven does not even
own a dog!

● There were many clues, but the trail was getting cold. What happened to (-7) after he
picked up the dog? Hmmm........

● Do some investigating and finish the trail of (-7) based on your own theory. You need to
include at least 3 stops and three equations. Ultimately, who do you think did it and why?
Be creative and use equations to support your findings. Also, keep in mind that (-7)'s
unfortunate remains were found at the family reunion site at (-5)'s house.

● Your number line needs to be neat and easy to understand. Also you need to write a
paragraph explaining what you believe happened to (-7) after the dog incident. Don’t
forget your equations!

Role 3: Your goal is to act as funeral director and write an obituary, a tribute to the great life that
(-7) led. Included in the obituary is the time and date of funeral, (-7)’s accomplishments, and his
family and friends who are grieving his loss. Please include at least 10 grieving family members
and/or friends. Many would be very offended if they were not mentioned! This obituary needs to
be typed. Please use the newspaper obituaries as an example.

(-7) had many family members and friends. Any combination of integers added or subtracted
together to equal (-7) were relatives and friends.

[An example of a family related to (-7) are the Centimeters. In the Centimeter family, there is
(-5), the father, (-4) the mother, and (+2), the baby. We know that this family is related because
when you add them together, they add up to (-7).]

Role 4: Your goal is to design a cemetery on the coordinate grid that will be the final resting
place for (-7). His family wants to see all of the locations in the cemetery that add to or subtract
to (-7). Remember, they will be walking, so each step counts as 1 unit.

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Whodunit? The Undoing of (-7)

ROLE AUDIENCE FORMAT TOPIC

Police Investigator (-7)'s Family Wanted Poster Integer

Forensic Expert CSI Team Case Study Whodunit

Funeral Director Newspaper Readers Obituary Integers

Grave Digger Plot Committee Map (-7)'s grave Plotting Points

Grading: You will be graded based on the four roles.

Role #1: Police Investigator Role #2: Forensic Expert

Neat/Complete /5 Neat/Complete /5
Use of details /10 Use of details /10
Evidence of Learning /10 Evidence of learning /10

Role #3: Funeral Director Role #4: Grave Digger

Neat/Complete /5 Neat/Complete /5
Use of details /10 Use of details /10
Evidence of Learning /10 Evidence of learning /10

Total Grade for the assignment: 100 points.

Role 1: Your goal is to act as police investigator to determine family members and obtain a
composite sketch of the suspect to put on a wanted poster.

Your assignment as POLICE INSPECTOR is to interview the family of (-7) in order to narrow
down the suspect list. The family consists of two numbers who can be added together to make (-
7). All family members are currently considered suspects as (-7) was at a family reunion at the
time of the unfortunate event.

The only two clues that the police actually know is that the unfortunate event was committed by
two people, and that they were related to (-7).

Please make a list of relatives of (-7) and describe how you know that they are related.

Draw a wanted poster to notify people to be on the lookout for the list of possible suspects. The
community of Pythagoras is very nervous and wants the perpetrator caught immediately. Please
include reward, a picture, and a description of the suspects. You can draw different wanted
posters for the different pairs of subjects.

Role 2: Your goal is to act as Forensic expert. You have to retrace (-7)’s steps on the night of the
unfortunate event. Also, for each stop, you will draw a symbol to represent where he stopped,

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

and trace the trail in the appropriate color. Also, for each stop, you will write down the
mathematical equation that represents how many steps were taken between stops.

Draw a number line to retrace the steps. This will act as your map of Pythagoras.
Here were his steps the night of the unfortunate event.

● Negative Seven lives at (-7) Geometry Lane.

● He went to visit (-2) to borrow some cinnamon for a new tessellation tart recipe he
wanted to try to bring to the reunion. How many steps did he have to take to get to -2's
house? Please write an equation to show the distance he traveled. Color this part of the
number line yellow for this part of the journey.

● According to (-2), while (-7) was standing on the doorstep with cinnamon in hand, he
spied Mr. Positive Eight’s dog sniffing around the fire hydrant at +1 Street. He ran from
the house, cinnamon trailing behind him to catch the little dog. After all, he needs to be
nice to Positive Eight as he is his boss at the Metric Factory. (-7) could really use a
promotion. If (-7) started from (-2)'s house, how many houses did he pass in order to
catch the dog at (+1)? Please write an equation to show how many steps he traveled. Also
color the trail from (-2) to the dog on (+1) brown–oops that can of cinnamon was opened!

● The last -2 saw of (-7) was that he was running down the street with the dog under his
arm. Oddly enough, when the experts were investigating, the cinnamon trail led to (+7)'s
back yard!

● Negative Six, upon being asked, confirmed that (+7) was (-7)'s mortal enemy since birth!
When asked where (+7) was the night of the unfortunate event, (+7) simply stated that he
was watching a movie. There were no alibis. And weirdly enough, there were dog prints
found in the mud in the front yard. Dog prints that went from (+2)'s house to (+7)'s
house! Draw small black dog tracks from (+2) to (+7) and write an equation to represent
the path of the dog. Also, Positive Six was sure that she heard dog barking noise coming
from (+7)'s house even though she swears up and down that Positive Seven does not even
own a dog!

● There were many clues, but the trail was getting cold. What happened to (-7) after he
picked up the dog? Hmmm........

● Do some investigating and finish the trail of (-7) based on your own theory. You need to
include at least 3 stops and three equations. Ultimately, who do you think did it and why?
Be creative and use equations to support your findings. Also, keep in mind that (-7)'s
unfortunate remains were found at the family reunion site at (-5)'s house.

● Your number line needs to be neat and easy to understand. Also you need to write a
paragraph explaining what you believe happened to (-7) after the dog incident. Don’t
forget your equations!

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Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Role 3: Your goal is to act as funeral director and write an obituary, a tribute to the great life that
(-7) led. Included in the obituary is the time and date of funeral, (-7)’s accomplishments, and his
family and friends who are grieving his loss. Please include at least 10 grieving family members
and/or friends. Many would be very offended if they were not mentioned! This obituary needs to
be typed. Please use the newspaper obituaries as an example.

(-7) had many family members and friends. Any combination of integers added or subtracted
together to equal (-7) were relatives and friends.

[An example of a family related to (-7) are the Centimeters. In the Centimeter family, there is
(-5), the father, (-4) the mother, and (+2), the baby. We know that this family is related because
when you add them together, they add up to (-7).]

Role 4: Your goal is to design a cemetery on the coordinate grid that will be the final resting
place for (-7). His family wants to see all of the locations in the cemetery that add to or subtract
to (-7). Remember, they will be walking, so each step counts as 1 unit.

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

APPENDIX OF ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Back to task table

Models for Teaching Operations of Integers

These models have been adapted from [Link]

The following are some everyday events that can be used to help students develop a conceptual
understanding of addition and subtraction of integers.

● Using a credit card example can make this subtraction concept clearer. If you have spent
money you don't have (-5) and paid off part of it (+3), you still have a negative balance (-
2) as a debt, or (-5) + 3 = (-2).

● Draw a picture of a mountain, the shore (sea level) and the bottom of the ocean. Label
sea level as 0.

Any of the following models can be used to help students understand the process of adding or
subtracting integers. If students have trouble understanding and using one model you can
show students how to use another model.

1. The Charged Particles Model (same as using two-color counters)

When using charged particles to subtract,

3 – (-4) for example, you begin with a picture of 3
positive particles.

Since there are no negative values to “take away”,

you must use the Identity Property of Addition to
rename positive 3 as 3 + 0. This is represented by 4
pairs of positive and negative particles that are
equivalent to 4 zeros.

Now that there are negative particles, you can “take

away” 4 negative particles.

The modeled problem shows that the result of

subtracting 4 negative particles is actually like adding
4 positive particles. The result is 7 positive particles.
This is a great way to show why
3 – (-4) = 3 + 4 = 7

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Two-Color Counters Method

When using two-colored counters you would use the

yellow side to represent positive integers and the red
side to represent negative numbers.
The problem represented is -3 – 5.

2. The Stack or Row Model

To model positive and negative integers, use colored linking cubes and graph paper. Graph paper and colored
pencils will allow students to record problems and results. Students should also write the problems and answers
numerically.

Create stacks or rows of numbers with the colored (-3) + (-4) = (-7)
linking cubes and combine/compare the cubes. If the
numbers have the same sign, then the cubes will be the
same color. Stress that adding is like combining, so
make a stack or row to show this.

If the numbers are not the same sign (color), for

example -3 + 5, you compare the stacks of
different [Link] the concept of zero pairs, the
result is the difference between the stacks or the result
is based on the higher stack. This is easy to see and
understand.

For subtraction you create zeros by pairing one of each

color. Then add as many zeros to the first number as
needed so that you can take away what the problem
calls for. Now physically take away the indicated
amount and see what is left.
The example problem shown is 3 – (-4).

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

3. The Hot Air Balloon Model

Sand bags (negative integers) and Hot Air bags (positive integers) can be used to illustrate operations with integers.
Bags can be put on (added to) the balloon or taken off (subtracted).

Here is an example: -3 - (-4) = ?

● The balloon starts at -3 (think of the balloon being 3 feet
below sea level or 3 feet below the level of a canyon) and
you take off 4 sand bags.
● Now, think about what happens to a balloon if you
remove sand bags, the balloon gets lighter. So, the balloon
would go up 4 units.
If you think in terms of a vertical number line, it would start at
-3 and end up at 1, so -3 - (-4) = 1. To help students make the
connection between -3 - (-4) and -3 + (+4), present the addition
and subtraction questions using the same numbers.

Another example would include the first addition question as 9 + (-5) and the first subtraction question
would then be 9 - (+5). The students see that putting on 5 sand bags (negative) produces the same result as taking off
5 hot air bags (positive).

4. The Number Line Model

You can describe addition and subtraction of integers with a number line and a toy car. The car faces forward
(to the right) to represent a positive direction. The car is moved forward to represent a positive integer. The car
flips around backward (facing left) to represent a negative direction or subtraction. The car is moved backward
(reverse) to represent a negative integer.
Example 1: 4+4=8

Mathematics  GSE Grade 7  Unit 1: Operations with Rational Numbers

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

Example 2: 4 + (- 8) = -4

Example 3: 4 – (-4) = 8

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

5. Charged Particle Model for Multiplication

The charged particle method can be used to illustrate multiplication of integers.

To begin, a model with a 0 charge is illustrated. The 0

charge model will allow us to work with positive and
negative integers.

Example 1: In this problem, 3 x (-2), three groups of

two negative charges is added to the 0 charged field.
The result is (-6).

Example 2: (-3) x (-2) = ?

For more resources of multiplication and division of integers, see pages 144 – 146 of
Van de Walle, J., & Lovin, L.H. (2006). Teaching student-centered mathematics: Grades 5-8.
Boston, MA: Pearson Education and Allyn & Bacon

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES Back to task table

[Link].1 Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction to add and
subtract rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number
line diagram.
[Link]
[Link]

[Link].1a Show that a number and its opposite have a sum of 0 (are additive inverses).
Describe situations in which opposite quantities combine to make 0. For example, your bank
account balance is -$25.00. You deposit $25.00 into your account. The net balance is $0.00.
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]

[Link].1b Understand p + q as the number located a distance from p, in the positive or

negative direction depending on whether q is positive or negative. Interpret sums of rational
numbers by describing real world contexts.
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]

[Link].1c Understand subtraction of rational numbers as adding the additive inverse, p – q

= p + (– q). Show that the distance between two rational numbers on the number line is the
absolute value of their difference, and apply this principle in real‐world contexts.
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]

[Link].1d Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract rational numbers.
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link].2 Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division and of
fractions to multiply and divide rational numbers.
[Link]

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 Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Standards of Excellence Framework
GSE Grade 7 ∙ Operations with Rational Numbers

[Link]
[Link]
[Link].2a Understand that multiplication is extended from fractions to rational numbers by
requiring that operations continue to satisfy the properties of operations, particularly the
distributive property, leading to products such as (- 1)(– 1) = 1 and the rules for multiplying
signed numbers. Interpret products of rational numbers by describing real‐world contexts.
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link].2b Understand that integers can be divided, provided that the divisor is not zero,
and every quotient of integers (with non‐zero divisor) is a rational number. If p and q are integers
then – (p/q) = (– p)/q = p/(–q). Interpret quotients of rational numbers by describing real‐world
contexts.
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link].2c Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide rational
numbers.
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link].2d Convert a rational number to a decimal using long division; know that the
decimal form of a rational number terminates in 0s or eventually repeats.
[Link]
[Link]
[Link].3 Solve real‐world and mathematical problems involving the four operations with
rational numbers.
[Link]
[Link]

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