Word Problem

Carlos uses a vertical number line to graph the points -4, -2, 3, and 4. He notices that -4 is closer to zero than -2. He is not sure about his diagram.

Use what you know about a vertical number line to determine if Carlos made a mistake or not. Support your explanation with a number line diagram. Was he right or not?

His number line is incorrect, or he plotted the point incorrectly. We know that the numbers on a number line get bigger as we get farther and farther away from zero on both sides. So -4 being closer to zero than -2 is impossible on a perfect number line. Thus, he either needs to check his counting, or check if he plotted the right number.
5
4 3 2
1 0
-1 -2 -3 -4 -5

Answered by laurenalyssa | 2024-06-10

**Answer: Carlos is inncorrect. ** ;

Answered by 29zsalvadore | 2024-06-24

Carlos made a mistake; -4 is not closer to zero than -2. On a vertical number line, -2 is indeed closer to zero than -4. He should double-check his plotting or counting to correct the diagram.
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Answered by laurenalyssa | 2024-12-15