Number Line Arithmetic
Number Line Arithmetic is an animated number line tool that visualises mathematical expressions as hops along a line. Type in your own equation or let the app generate one randomly — perfect for modelling addition, subtraction, and multi-step calculations with your class.
How do I access Number Line Arithmetic?
You can access Number Line Arithmetic in three ways:
- Through Teach Mode — open Number Line Arithmetic directly from the bottom bar of Teach Mode.
- From the Apps library — browse or search for Number Line Arithmetic in the Apps library.
- In your slide deck — search for Number Line Arithmetic in the apps panel on the right and tap it to drop it onto your slide. From there, you can move and resize it however you like.
How do I use Number Line Arithmetic?
Open the app and a number line will appear on screen, along with an expression displayed at the top (e.g. "1 + 9"). The expression determines where and how the hops animate along the line.
Choosing an expression mode
Open the settings panel to choose how expressions are entered. Under Expression mode, you'll see two options:
- Manual entry — type your own mathematical expression into the input field (e.g. 5 + 12) and tap Go to load it onto the number line.
- Random generation — the app generates a random expression for you. A set of options appears on the left so you can quickly switch between different randomly generated equations.
Animating the hops
Use the playback controls at the top centre of the screen to run the animation:
- Play — automatically animates each hop along the number line.
- Stop — stops the animation and clears the path, ready for a fresh start.
- Step forward / Step back — move one hop at a time in either direction — great for working through each part of the equation with the class.
- Speed — choose from 0.5×, 1×, 1.5×, 2×, or 3× to control how fast the hops animate.
Display options
Use the settings on the right to control what's shown on the number line:
- Smallest hops first — turn on to animate the smallest part of the equation first before the larger hop, useful for modelling number strategies.
- Ghost path — turn on to show a faint hop line before the animation runs, giving students a preview of the hops.
- Show hop results — turn on to display the value above each hop arc as it animates, so students can follow each step clearly.
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Number visibility — choose how numbers are shown on the line, from showing all numbers to hiding some or all of them for added challenge.
Zoom — control how many numbers appear on the line at once:
- Tap zoom in to show fewer numbers with more space between them.
- Tap zoom out to show more numbers along the line.
- Tap zoom to fit to scale the number line to show only the numbers relevant to the current expression.
Annotations
Turn on Annotations in the settings panel to write or draw directly on the screen. A toolbar will appear at the bottom with options to Draw, Erase, and Interact, along with a brush size slider and colour picker.
Tips
- You can add Number Line Arithmetic to your favourite apps via the Teach Mode or through the App library. Click on this icon if you're adding it through the App library.
- You can connect Number Line Arithmetic to specific subjects in your timetable (read more about timetable connections here). If you're connecting it through the App library, click this icon.
