Final answer:
Gianna is incorrect because -3 is greater than -11, where larger negative numbers represent colder temperatures. Also, deducing that it must've snowed because schools closed is an example of affirming the consequent, which is a logical fallacy. Lastly, temperature is a scalar quantity as it lacks the directional property that characterizes vectors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gianna stated, "Wednesday was colder than Tuesday because -3 < -11," which necessitates correction. When comparing temperatures on the Celsius or Fahrenheit scale, a greater negative value indicates a more frigid temperature. Thus, -11 is colder than -3, making Gianna's statement incorrect.
Answer: A) Gianna is incorrect because -3 is greater than -11. The negative sign before a number indicates that it is less than zero, and in the context of temperatures, a more significant negative number is actually smaller in value and represents a colder temperature.
Regarding the assertion that if it snows more than three inches, schools must close, this demonstrates a flawed logical reasoning known as affirming the consequent. This form of argument incorrectly assumes that the occurrence of a consequence (schools closing) directly confirms the cause (snow exceeding three inches), despite there being other possible causes for school closures.
Temperature itself is a scalar quantity because it only has magnitude and does not include direction, unlike vector quantities which include both magnitude and direction.