Number line

A number line is like a long, straight ruler that helps us see numbers in order. It shows numbers as points spaced evenly along a line. The middle point is called the origin, and it shows the number zero.

We use number lines in school to learn simple math, like addition and subtraction. They help us understand how numbers relate to each other. For example, numbers to the right are bigger than numbers to the left.

The idea of a number line was first described a long time ago in 1685 by John Wallis. He thought of it like a person walking forward and backward to show adding and subtracting.

Number lines make it easy to see which numbers are bigger or smaller. They also help us learn about fractions and other special numbers. By using a number line, we can turn math problems into fun shapes to explore.