Final answer:
To determine which of two plotted numbers is greater, look for the number further to the right on a number line or with a higher value on the y-axis of a graph. Zooming in on graphs can assist with clarity. Slopes of lines plotted on graphs can also indicate the relationship between points.
Step-by-step explanation:
When two numbers are plotted on a number line, the number to the right is always the greater number. This is because a number line is arranged with smaller numbers to the left and larger numbers to the right. To identify which number is greater, simply look for the one that is positioned further to the right on the number line compared to the other number. If one number is directly above or below the other on a graph, you would use the y-coordinate to determine which is greater. In this case, the number with the larger y-coordinate value is higher up on the graph, which indicates that it's greater.
If points are plotted on a graph rather than a simple number line and the numbers are not easily distinguishable, tools like zooming in, whether on a computer or calculator, can help clarify their positions. Additionally, understanding the properties of the graph, such as the slope and how to calculate it, can provide insights into the relationship between the points. A positive slope indicates an increasing trend, while a negative slope indicates a decreasing trend.