- Definition
Magnitude is simply how big a number is, regardless of whether it's positive or negative. For example, both 9 and -9 have a magnitude of 9.
A temperature of –10 degrees is just as far from 0 as +10 degrees, so they have the same magnitude.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Magnitude is like how strong a push is, whether you're pushing a toy car forward or pulling it back.
Ask your child: Which needs a stronger push, this little block or this big book?
Common mix-up: In science, magnitude describes how large or strong something is, such as a force. Direction is a separate part of describing a force.
Examples
- A small push and a big push on a swing have different magnitudes.
- A whisper has a small magnitude, while a loud shout has a large magnitude.
magnitude is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
