A number line is a pictorial representation of numbers on a straight line. Here, the numbers are placed at equal intervals and they can be extended infinitely in both directions. A number line can be used to perform basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Check out the simple ways to add, subtract, multiply and divide two numbers using a number line in the following sections.
Also, Refer:
Number Line – Definition
In Maths, a number line can be defined as a straight line having numbers at equal inters or segments along its length. It can be extended infinitely in both directions and represented horizontally. As we move towards the right side of a number line, the numbers increase, and move towards the left, the numbers decrease. You can represent integers, rational numbers, fractions, etc on a number line.
Example:
A number line having integers at equal intervals.
Uses of a Number Line
The below listed are the uses of a number line.
- A number line can be used as a tool for comparing and ordering numbers.
- It can be used to perform the sum of two numbers.
- It can be used to find the difference between two numbers.
- A number line can be used to get the product of two numbers.
- Also, get the division of two numbers.
In the following sections, we are giving the detailed steps to calculate addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of two numbers using a number line.
Operations on a Number Line
You can Use the Number Line to Perform Arithmetic Operations and arrive at the results easily. The procedure on how to add, subtract, multiply and divide using a number line is provided below. They are as follows
Addition Using Number Line:
- Draw a number line.
- Take the first number and count the second number times from the first number.
- The reached number is the addition of two numbers.
Subtraction Using Number Line:
- Draw a number line.
- Take minuend and move minuend times to the left side from the minuend.
- The reached number is the difference between the two numbers.
Multiplication Using Number Line:
Multiplication is nothing but repeated addition.
- Draw a number that has multiplicand and multiplier.
- Strat from the multiplier, add multiplicand.
- Repeat the process a multiplicand number of times to get the product.
Division Using Number Line:
The division is nothing but the repeated subtraction.
- A number line should have dividend and divisor.
- Subtract divisor from the dividend.
- Repeat the subtraction process until you get zero or the number less than the divisor.
- The number of times subtraction is done is called the quotient.
Using a Number Line Examples
Question 1:
Count on a number line and start at 5. Jump to the left by 3. Write the number you stop at?
Solution:
First, we will draw a number line. Count on a number line and mark point 5. Start at 5, then count and jump to the left side by 3. The number we stop at 2.
Question 2:
Count on a number line and start at 1. Jump to the right by 3. Write the number you land at?
Solution:
First, we draw a number line. Count on a number line and mark point 1. Start at point 1, and then count and jump to the right side by 3. The number we stop at 4.
Question 3:
Solve the following.
(i) 6 + 2
(ii) 6 – 2
Solution:
(i) Given that,
6 + 2
Draw a number line. Count the number 6 on the line and mark it. Count 2 numbers from the marked point towards the right side. The number we stop at is the sum.
Therefore, 6 + 2 = 8
(ii) Given that,
6 – 2
Draw a number line. Count the number 6 on the line and mark it. Count 2 numbers from the marked point towards the left side. The number we stop is called the difference.
Therefore, 6 – 2 = 4
Question 4:
Compute the following:
(i) 4 x 2
(ii) 14 ÷ 2
Solution:
(i) Given that,
4 x 2
4 is added 2 times.
Therefore, 4 x 2 = 8
(ii) Given that,
14 ÷ 2
2 is subtracted repeatedly from 14
The number 14 is 7 times subtracted from 2.
So, 14 ÷ 2 = 7.
FAQs on a Number Line Usage
1. How to construct a number line?
The steps to draw a number line is given below.
- Draw a straight horizontal line having arrows on both sides.
- Mark points at equal intervals on the line.
- Plot the middle point as zero.
- Name the points on the right side of zero as 1, 2, 3, 4, . .
- Name the points on the left side of zero as -1, -2, -3, -4, . .
2. What is the use of a number line?
The use of a number line is to perform arithmetical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
3. How to perform 3 + 6 on a number line?
Draw a number line. Start at the first number 3, and jump 6 numbers to the right. The number we get is the addition of 3 and 6 i.e 9.
So, 3 + 6 = 9.