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Equal spaces, equal steps
On a correctly scaled number line, equal spaces represent equal numerical differences. Larger numbers are to the right; smaller numbers are to the left. Do not assume every tick means one.
Count spaces
If 240,000 and 260,000 are four equal spaces apart, the total difference is 20,000. Each space is 20,000 ÷ 4 = 5,000. Count the spaces between ticks, not the ticks themselves.
Approximate or exact
A point on a marked tick gives an exact number when the step is known. For a rough sketch between ticks without a precise position, state the interval rather than inventing an exact value.
Worked examples
240 000 → 245 000 → 250 000 → 255 000 → 260 000
Five ticks make four spaces. The step is 5,000.
780 000 → 790 000 → 800 000 → 810 000
Each jump adds 10,000, including the crossing of 800,000.
Try it yourself
Your turn
Type the missing word, number, or sign. Spaces in large numbers are allowed. Try first, then open the explanation.
Draw a line from 300,000 to 340,000 with four equal spaces. Label every tick.
See an example answer
300,000; 310,000; 320,000; 330,000; 340,000. The step is 10,000.
Check your knowledge
Choose one answer for each question. You can revise your answers and check again.
Answer key
- 4. A space lies between two neighbouring ticks.
- 118 000. 116,000 + 2,000 = 118,000.
- To the right. On this standard horizontal line, greater numbers are to the right.
- 10 000. 100,000 ÷ 10 = 10,000.
- 980 000. Subtract a total of 20,000.