Skill: Locate numbers on a number line

A number line shows numbers in order from left to right. Equal spaces mean equal changes in value.

To locate a number:

1. Find the labeled numbers around it.
2. Count how much each space is worth.
3. Count spaces from the smaller labeled number.
4. Label the correct point.

Example: Locate $340$ on the number line.

Suppose the number line goes from $300$ to $400$ and has $10$ equal spaces:

$$300 \quad \vert \quad \vert \quad \vert \quad \vert \quad \vert \quad \vert \quad \vert \quad \vert \quad \vert \quad 400$$

There are $100$ numbers from $300$ to $400$, split into $10$ equal spaces:

$$100 \div 10 = 10$$

So, each space is worth $10$.

Now count by tens from $300$:

• First mark: $310$
• Second mark: $320$
• Third mark: $330$
• Fourth mark: $340$

Therefore, $340$ is at the fourth mark to the right of $300$.