Question

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.

Answer 1

Explanation:

The number line is a line with marks, where each mark represents a real number.

In the vertical number line zero is in the center. The numbers above zero are considered positive and the numbers below zero are considered negative.

4

3

2

1

0

-1

-2

-3

-4

The numbers after zero start from 0, 1, 2 ...... and 0, -1, -2.....

Hence, Carlos is wrong and -4 is further to zero than -2