Vocabulary

Integer – whole numbers and their opposites {…, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, …}

Negative integer – any integer less than zero. 

Positive integer – any integer greater than zero.

Zero Pair – a yellow counter and a red counter that represents zero.

Concepts

Modeling a given integer with colored counters

Rules

1. Positive integers are represented by yellow counters, negative integers are represented by red counters.
2. Place as many counters in the appropriate color as the number indicates.
3. Include the stated number of zero pairs, each pair consisting of a yellow and a red counter.

Example

Model the number -5 and include 3 zero pairs.

Solution

The integer -5 is represented with five red counters. Modeling a zero pair requires a red counter for -1 and a yellow counter for +1. Showing 3 zero pairs means that you need to include 3 yellow counters and 3 red counters.

Pre-requisite Skills

Integers and Absolute Value (7.3.1)

Adding integers (7.3.2)