Question

Jimmy and Tony observed two points, P and Q, on a number line. A number line is shown from negative 1 to positive 1 with increments of 1 over 8. The numbers negative 1, negative 6 over 8, negative 4 over 8, negative 2 over 8, 0, 2 over 8, 4 over 8, 6 over 8 are labeled on the number line. A point P is shown at the fifth tick mark to the left of 0, and a point Q is shown at the fifth place to the right of 0. Jimmy said that the absolute values of the numbers represented by the two points are the same. Tony said that the absolute values of the numbers represented by the two points are different. Which of the following explains who is correct?

Answer 1

-5/8 = 5/8

Explanation:

Answer 2

P is 5 ticks to the left of 0, so it would be -5/8

Q is 5 ticks to the right of 0, so it would be at 5/8

an absolute value turns a negative number into a positive number
so absolute value of P located at -5/8 = 5/8
this is the location of point Q

Jimmy said that the absolute values of the numbers represented by the two points are the same.

so Jimmy is correct