Ordering Expression Values
Ordering Expression Values is a Grade 7 math skill in Illustrative Mathematics, Chapter 5: Rational Number Arithmetic. Students evaluate numerical expressions involving rational numbers and place the results in order from least to greatest, applying integer and fraction arithmetic.
Key Concepts
To compare or order expressions, first evaluate each one to get a single numerical value. Then, compare these values on a number line to order them, or compare their absolute values to find which is closest to zero.
For expressions $A$, $B$, and $C$ with values $v A$, $v B$, and $v C$: Order (least to greatest): Arrange $v A, v B, v C$ as they appear on a number line from left to right. Closest to zero: Find the minimum of their absolute values: $\min(|v A|, |v B|, |v C|)$.
Common Questions
How do you order expression values?
Evaluate each expression to find its numerical value, then compare the results. Order them from least to greatest (or greatest to least as required) on a number line or using inequality symbols.
What types of expressions are ordered in Grade 7?
Grade 7 students order expressions involving rational numbers, including integers, fractions, decimals, and mixed numbers, often with multiplication, division, or combinations.
What is an example of ordering expression values?
Order: negative 2 times 3, 4 divided by negative 2, negative 1 times negative 3. Evaluate: negative 6, negative 2, 3. Ordered: negative 6, negative 2, 3.
Why is it important to evaluate before ordering?
Expressions can look different but produce equal values, or look similar but produce very different values. You must evaluate fully before comparing.
What chapter covers ordering expression values in Illustrative Mathematics Grade 7?
Ordering expression values is covered in Chapter 5: Rational Number Arithmetic in Illustrative Mathematics Grade 7.