Comparing the Two Models

The number line is a good model for the expressing positions relative to some specific value, such as graphing on coordinate planes (relative to the origin), temperatures on thermometers (relative to zero degrees or to freezing), and elevation (relative to sea level). It is also good when we need to express fractional parts of the whole, since we can find these on the number line, but it would be difficult to do with beans or chips.

The chip model is a good model for small amounts (with no fractional parts) and for items that have atomic charges such as protons, electrons, and neutrons. It is also a helpful model for understanding how integer arithmetic works.


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