Question

Four points are labeled on a number line. Which point best represents the value of |-1/2|?

1) 0
2) 1/2
3) -1/2
4) -1

Answer 1

The absolute value of -1/2 is 1/2, which is the distance from zero on the number line without considering the direction. Therefore, the point that best represents the value of |-1/2| is 1/2 (option 2).

Step-by-step explanation:

The student has asked which point on a number line best represents the value of |-1/2|. The absolute value of a number is the distance of that number from zero on the number line, regardless of the direction. Since we are looking for the absolute value of -1/2, the distance from zero is 1/2, and this should be represented as a positive number because absolute value is always positive.

The correct point that represents the value of |-1/2| is therefore 1/2, which is point 2 on the given options. This is because the absolute value of -1/2, which is 1/2, is located at the same distance from zero as -1/2 but in the positive direction on the number line.