How to Create Number Lines in Google Slides
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Making number lines with tables in Google Slides will make your math life MUCH easier! Tables are the perfect little tool to line everything up with ease.
And creating and storing these number lines in Google Slides will make it easy to use them again and again!
Use Tables for Number Lines in Google Slides
Ok. Let’s talk number lines specifically.
Tables are an AMAZING tool for creating number lines:
They line up the digits on the number line perfectly.
Everything can be centered with one click.
Typing into a table cell is much easier than typing into a textbox!
And the best part?
Once you create just ONE number line, you can copy and paste and recreate so many of them after…in just a few moments!
Are you ready to save time?
create a TABLE
First, create a table in a new Google Slide.
Your table will need ten columns and one row:
FORMAT THE TABLE
Choose a color for your table borders:
Then choose a line weight:
Next, select each of the top borders. You can select them all at once by holding the Shift key as you click each one:
With the top borders all selected, go to the line color menu and set them to Transparent:
Now your table should look like this:
Next, set your bottom borders to transparent:
CREATE THE ARROW LINE
To make the rest of the number line, choose the arrow tool from the dropdown menu:
Be sure to choose the same arrow design for both ends of the line:
Choose a line weight for the arrow line:
Next, select the table. Right-click and choose Distribute Columns to be sure each column is the same width:
With the table still selected, set the font to a small size. This will allow us to make the height of the lines a bit smaller:
Now we can make that first table a bit smaller in height so our marks on the number line aren’t too tall:
ADD A TABLE FOr NUMBERS
Next, we will create another table (last one, I promise!). This table will be for the numbers you enter below your number line.
Insert a table with eleven columns and one row:
Line this new table up under your number line:
Select your table and center the text:
Then, choose a font and font size for your numbers:
I used n as a placeholder for my numbers:
Now select the table, right-click, and choose Distribute Columns to be sure all are even in width:
With the table still selected, set all borders to Transparent:
Finally, drag your numbers right under your number line until they are lined up:
Ok, so that was a bit of work.
But congratulations are in order!
Now that you’ve created these number lines in Google Slides, you can reuse the templates again and again!!
Select the whole number you created by clicking and dragging over it:
Then copy and paste the number line into a new Google Slide and start inserting your numbers!
STORing YOUR NUMBER LINes IN GOOGLE SLIDES
Be sure to create a special Google Slide to store all the templates you create. This way, you will have a collection to use for years to come!
Looking to save even MORE time?
I hope these quick steps to create number lines in Google Slides will save you tons of time this year!
Don’t have time to create them right now? I have you covered with these Digital Math tools, featuring TONS of ready-to-go templates:
If you like this tutorial, be sure to check out How to Create Fractions in Google Slides!
Have you used tables to create number lines in Google Slides before?
Kristen Beakey
Iโm an elementary math coach with a passion for sharing beautiful, streamlined solutions to save teachers time.ย Ladybugโs Teacher Files has been a work of love since 2010. Filled with tech tutorials, math ideas, and organizationโฆI strive to save you time in all aspects of your teaching!